Hi there. I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend! I will blog on Monday before 4 since we don't have school. Please check back then. Thanks.
Mrs. Grewell
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Soaring…literally…thru day 2!
Day 2 is over and out! It went GREAT!!! We were again busy, busy, busy!
This year, we will be exploring our character through a superhero theme. Kids will be learning and exploring exactly what it takes to make a superhero a superhero. They have to wear a solid cape!! Today, we dived into responsibility. We read a story about Jeremy Jacobs and his crew of pirate friends that had to take care of his baby sister. This proved to be harder than they thought, and the pirates gave us some great examples of some pretty irresponsible behavior. We then transferred this to us, here at school. Kids wrote a paragraph about how they can be responsible at school. They all had great ideas!
After Fly Time, we dived right into an I Am Poem. It was titled Super _____. They would fill in their name. Then, they finished sentence starters such as I am as smart as a _________. They had some great, great analogies. I loved that many of them were as tired as a bear that was hibernating in the winter. So cute! We even got to our final drafts which were written in pen. OH MY GOODNESS! That was a challenge for many due to their unwillingness to slow down and look at the model I had projected. They learned quickly that they need to check the model, THEN write. Many had to start over. They will be graded on the actual poem along with their ability to follow directions.
This brings me to the table discussion topic for this evening. SOOOOOO many kids are coming up to me and asking me is this right, is this right? My response is simply, well…did you follow my instructions? If so, then it is correct. I have not had my new name very long, but I am already honestly cringing at the sound of it. We talked many times today about the RESPONSIBLE way to get Mrs. Grewell's attention. Lastly, I had a few kiddos come up and actually poke me on the arm to get my attention. I am a bubble/space fanatic. Please discuss with all kids tonight how to get a teacher's attention like a 4th grader. They simply need to raise their hand and wait for me to come to them, OR they can try to problem solve themselves. They also need to make sure that they are not asking me a question that they can find the answer to in the model I have given them on the board or on their paper. It is day 2, so I know it will all come. I just want to get this one under control right away. If you chat with your kiddo about this, write CHAT in the planner for a $10 bonus tomorrow.
We have our first birthday coming up. We have 23 students and 2 teachers in our classroom daily. As explained in the first post I posted, birthday treats are sold by the student for fake money. They get to set up a small shop and charge $20. They keep the money. This helps to avoid those that don't want one an out so they don't have to hurt the birthday person's feelings. Extras can be given out to their favorite teachers, but please don't send in enough for seconds. Juice is also fine to go with the treats. This is completely optional!
In the Tuesday Folder's that came home yesterday, there were some important forms from the PTA. Our PTA is fantabulous at Arrowhead. They do above and beyond for kids. Coming from other schools, I can truthfully tell you it is one of a kind here. Parents and teachers do soooo much to support all of Arrowhead kiddos. Please take a moment to find the blue forms in the stack sent home. Please consider joining the PTA. This does not mean that you have to help. It just means that you are part of a united front for kids. There is also a directory form. If you want your family's contact number in it, please return that blue form as well. This is helpful when trying to set up friendship playdates. Lastly, there is a How Can I Help sheet in there as well. If you want to help in the classroom or at school functions please check what you want to do and send that back in as well. All PTA forms are blue in color. Mr. Pertuit and I are running the back to school/ice cream social this year. That is happening next Friday. We are going to need at least 20 parents to volunteer for that. If you can help work a half hour shift at an inflatable, serving pizza, serving ice cream, or helping to set up or break down we need you. Email or text me if you can do so. I will get you in an assigned slot. Thanks again for ALL that you do!!! We appreciate you and we could NEVER do it without you!
Homework tonight is two items. All kids came home with a crayon that they colored in class. This was an extension of our Crayon Box that Talked story we read. Kids now need to look around home and find objects to glue or draw onto their crayon that tell us more about them. I showed them mine. I had pictures of my family that I printed off my computer, pictures of my pets, a little book charm cuz I like to read, and our family brand for our ranch drawn on it. The sky is the limit on these ones. If your child likes legos, then glue one on. If they like mac and cheese, then glue on a noodle. All I ask is that it is not so heavy that I can't hang it on the wall. The second item is a superhero get to know you sheet. Kids need to fill it out LIKE A 4th GRADER (which means neat, thoughtful, and completely) and then color it. Both items are due tomorrow morning upon arrival.
We took a class picture today. If you don't see your kiddo in the picture that means that they have not returned their information sheet that had the blog permission form on the bottom. I will not post kids pictures or names without your permission. Please send them in soon, as kids get sad when I ask them to step out of pictures. :0(
Kids had Art today with Ms. Becker for the first time. Many of them were super excited about this class this morning. Art is a hit, that is for sure!
I leave you with a sneak peak of part one of another project we will be doing tomorrow to wrap up our first week together. Hmmmm…what could be going on here????
Have a fantastic night with your little superhero!
Mrs. Grewell
This year, we will be exploring our character through a superhero theme. Kids will be learning and exploring exactly what it takes to make a superhero a superhero. They have to wear a solid cape!! Today, we dived into responsibility. We read a story about Jeremy Jacobs and his crew of pirate friends that had to take care of his baby sister. This proved to be harder than they thought, and the pirates gave us some great examples of some pretty irresponsible behavior. We then transferred this to us, here at school. Kids wrote a paragraph about how they can be responsible at school. They all had great ideas!
After Fly Time, we dived right into an I Am Poem. It was titled Super _____. They would fill in their name. Then, they finished sentence starters such as I am as smart as a _________. They had some great, great analogies. I loved that many of them were as tired as a bear that was hibernating in the winter. So cute! We even got to our final drafts which were written in pen. OH MY GOODNESS! That was a challenge for many due to their unwillingness to slow down and look at the model I had projected. They learned quickly that they need to check the model, THEN write. Many had to start over. They will be graded on the actual poem along with their ability to follow directions.
This brings me to the table discussion topic for this evening. SOOOOOO many kids are coming up to me and asking me is this right, is this right? My response is simply, well…did you follow my instructions? If so, then it is correct. I have not had my new name very long, but I am already honestly cringing at the sound of it. We talked many times today about the RESPONSIBLE way to get Mrs. Grewell's attention. Lastly, I had a few kiddos come up and actually poke me on the arm to get my attention. I am a bubble/space fanatic. Please discuss with all kids tonight how to get a teacher's attention like a 4th grader. They simply need to raise their hand and wait for me to come to them, OR they can try to problem solve themselves. They also need to make sure that they are not asking me a question that they can find the answer to in the model I have given them on the board or on their paper. It is day 2, so I know it will all come. I just want to get this one under control right away. If you chat with your kiddo about this, write CHAT in the planner for a $10 bonus tomorrow.
We have our first birthday coming up. We have 23 students and 2 teachers in our classroom daily. As explained in the first post I posted, birthday treats are sold by the student for fake money. They get to set up a small shop and charge $20. They keep the money. This helps to avoid those that don't want one an out so they don't have to hurt the birthday person's feelings. Extras can be given out to their favorite teachers, but please don't send in enough for seconds. Juice is also fine to go with the treats. This is completely optional!
In the Tuesday Folder's that came home yesterday, there were some important forms from the PTA. Our PTA is fantabulous at Arrowhead. They do above and beyond for kids. Coming from other schools, I can truthfully tell you it is one of a kind here. Parents and teachers do soooo much to support all of Arrowhead kiddos. Please take a moment to find the blue forms in the stack sent home. Please consider joining the PTA. This does not mean that you have to help. It just means that you are part of a united front for kids. There is also a directory form. If you want your family's contact number in it, please return that blue form as well. This is helpful when trying to set up friendship playdates. Lastly, there is a How Can I Help sheet in there as well. If you want to help in the classroom or at school functions please check what you want to do and send that back in as well. All PTA forms are blue in color. Mr. Pertuit and I are running the back to school/ice cream social this year. That is happening next Friday. We are going to need at least 20 parents to volunteer for that. If you can help work a half hour shift at an inflatable, serving pizza, serving ice cream, or helping to set up or break down we need you. Email or text me if you can do so. I will get you in an assigned slot. Thanks again for ALL that you do!!! We appreciate you and we could NEVER do it without you!
Homework tonight is two items. All kids came home with a crayon that they colored in class. This was an extension of our Crayon Box that Talked story we read. Kids now need to look around home and find objects to glue or draw onto their crayon that tell us more about them. I showed them mine. I had pictures of my family that I printed off my computer, pictures of my pets, a little book charm cuz I like to read, and our family brand for our ranch drawn on it. The sky is the limit on these ones. If your child likes legos, then glue one on. If they like mac and cheese, then glue on a noodle. All I ask is that it is not so heavy that I can't hang it on the wall. The second item is a superhero get to know you sheet. Kids need to fill it out LIKE A 4th GRADER (which means neat, thoughtful, and completely) and then color it. Both items are due tomorrow morning upon arrival.
We took a class picture today. If you don't see your kiddo in the picture that means that they have not returned their information sheet that had the blog permission form on the bottom. I will not post kids pictures or names without your permission. Please send them in soon, as kids get sad when I ask them to step out of pictures. :0(
Kids had Art today with Ms. Becker for the first time. Many of them were super excited about this class this morning. Art is a hit, that is for sure!I leave you with a sneak peak of part one of another project we will be doing tomorrow to wrap up our first week together. Hmmmm…what could be going on here????
Have a fantastic night with your little superhero!
Mrs. Grewell
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Day One…HUGE Smiles and Success!
Hi there.
What a great first day of the 4th grade year! We had a busy, busy day!
We spent the morning checking in and sharing how we were feeling about being back at school. We then read a story about a boy that had quite an imagination when it came to not being able to attend the first day of school! Fun!
We then went to music with Mrs. Wadell. They do not have the tennis shoe rule in 4th grade in music. So, regular shoes are fine.
After music, we had a school assembly with Mrs. Meier to review Arrowhead expectations.
Then we had a fun snack activity. We made a classroom fruit salad. It was beautiful and smelled soooo yummy. Then, I brought out the last ingredient…the rotten banana! I said that I was going to add it in and they all said "NOOOOOOOO!!!" We talked about how we don't ever want to ruin our beautiful fruit salad with a rotten banana. We also talked about what rotten banana behavior looks like (shouting out, missing homework, being cruel, and so on). It really hit home. So, we left the banana out and enjoyed a yummy snack!
The rest of the morning was spent labeling and putting away our supplies along with learning about our class money system. We will start it tomorrow, but kids earned money today for having perfect attendance and for bringing back their information form I sent home before school started.
Our lunch time was changed by Mrs. Meier due to back up in the lunchroom. So we now go to lunch from 12:15-12:45. Please note the change. Mrs. Meier also mentioned that there is a NO POP rule in packed lunches. Water and juice are encouraged. If you bring lunch and eat with them, of course it is your call to bring in special treats/drinks.
We spent the afternoon at PE with Mr. Pertuit. We earned a compliment from him. He stated our class was the only one that was able to play a game due to listening to his playground rule speech quickly. Yay Grewells!!!
Planners are coming home filled out today. Of course we didn't do academics tonight. But, kids do have homework tonight. They need to help you get on the classroom blog (If you are reading this…Yay for you!!!!). They also need to give you their Tuesday folders. There are some papers that need to be returned tomorrow. Your child marked the sheets that need to come back. If they do, they will earn $20 for each one. If your child is missing their information sheet from my letter, I put in an extra one as well. Please remember to sign the front. Students ALWAYS are told to hi-light their homework in the planner so you know what they have left to do.
Everyday I will post some kind of discussion topic for you to ask your kiddo at the dinner table or whenever. This is to avoid the dreaded we did nothing at school today remark. So, tonight I would love for you to have them look at these pictures and explain to you about our class fruit salad. If they can tell you the gist of what I wrote above write the code word: FRUIT SALAD in the planner next to your signature/initial on the bottom. I showed them where you need to sign, so ask them if you are confused. This also lets me know if parents are actually reading this blog or if I am typing to a blank audience. :0)
Again, we had a wonderful day. Kids do need to remember a water bottle and a healthy snack tomorrow. With the warmer weather and the later lunch it just helps them stay focussed if they have these two things. Remember, just a SINGLE snack (not a combination of three different ones) and a regular cylinder water bottle please.
Lastly, thank you so much for trusting me with your kiddos. They are all so unique and so special to me all ready! This is going to be a great year for each and every one of them, along with me!!!
Have a wonderful night with your kids!
Mrs. Grewell
What a great first day of the 4th grade year! We had a busy, busy day!
We spent the morning checking in and sharing how we were feeling about being back at school. We then read a story about a boy that had quite an imagination when it came to not being able to attend the first day of school! Fun!
We then went to music with Mrs. Wadell. They do not have the tennis shoe rule in 4th grade in music. So, regular shoes are fine.
After music, we had a school assembly with Mrs. Meier to review Arrowhead expectations.
Then we had a fun snack activity. We made a classroom fruit salad. It was beautiful and smelled soooo yummy. Then, I brought out the last ingredient…the rotten banana! I said that I was going to add it in and they all said "NOOOOOOOO!!!" We talked about how we don't ever want to ruin our beautiful fruit salad with a rotten banana. We also talked about what rotten banana behavior looks like (shouting out, missing homework, being cruel, and so on). It really hit home. So, we left the banana out and enjoyed a yummy snack!
The rest of the morning was spent labeling and putting away our supplies along with learning about our class money system. We will start it tomorrow, but kids earned money today for having perfect attendance and for bringing back their information form I sent home before school started.
Our lunch time was changed by Mrs. Meier due to back up in the lunchroom. So we now go to lunch from 12:15-12:45. Please note the change. Mrs. Meier also mentioned that there is a NO POP rule in packed lunches. Water and juice are encouraged. If you bring lunch and eat with them, of course it is your call to bring in special treats/drinks.
We spent the afternoon at PE with Mr. Pertuit. We earned a compliment from him. He stated our class was the only one that was able to play a game due to listening to his playground rule speech quickly. Yay Grewells!!!
Planners are coming home filled out today. Of course we didn't do academics tonight. But, kids do have homework tonight. They need to help you get on the classroom blog (If you are reading this…Yay for you!!!!). They also need to give you their Tuesday folders. There are some papers that need to be returned tomorrow. Your child marked the sheets that need to come back. If they do, they will earn $20 for each one. If your child is missing their information sheet from my letter, I put in an extra one as well. Please remember to sign the front. Students ALWAYS are told to hi-light their homework in the planner so you know what they have left to do.
Everyday I will post some kind of discussion topic for you to ask your kiddo at the dinner table or whenever. This is to avoid the dreaded we did nothing at school today remark. So, tonight I would love for you to have them look at these pictures and explain to you about our class fruit salad. If they can tell you the gist of what I wrote above write the code word: FRUIT SALAD in the planner next to your signature/initial on the bottom. I showed them where you need to sign, so ask them if you are confused. This also lets me know if parents are actually reading this blog or if I am typing to a blank audience. :0)
Again, we had a wonderful day. Kids do need to remember a water bottle and a healthy snack tomorrow. With the warmer weather and the later lunch it just helps them stay focussed if they have these two things. Remember, just a SINGLE snack (not a combination of three different ones) and a regular cylinder water bottle please.
Lastly, thank you so much for trusting me with your kiddos. They are all so unique and so special to me all ready! This is going to be a great year for each and every one of them, along with me!!!
Have a wonderful night with your kids!
Mrs. Grewell
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Great Turn Out at Meet the Teacher Night!!!
Hello there. It was so AWESOME to meet so many of you last night! Thank you for coming. Some of you returned your information/permission slip as well. Well done!!! Those that did, will have an extra $20 in their start up wallet tomorrow. Those that still have it, please send it in tomorrow or ASAP. Thanks.
School starts tomorrow morning at 8:15. I couldn't be more excited!!! We will have a great time settling in, labeling supplies, learning 4th grade procedures, and getting to know one another.
We do have PE and music tomorrow. Please wear or send in the correct shoes.
School for 4th graders ends at 3:00.
If this is your first time reading this, please read the post below as it explains how my classroom runs and answers many questions that you have already. Those that I don't answer, please feel free to call me, text me, meet with me, or email me. Together, I GUARANTEE this will be a positive and productive year!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Grewell
Cell/Text: 406-598-2072 (up to 9 pm please)
Email: grewellt@billingsschools.org
School starts tomorrow morning at 8:15. I couldn't be more excited!!! We will have a great time settling in, labeling supplies, learning 4th grade procedures, and getting to know one another.
We do have PE and music tomorrow. Please wear or send in the correct shoes.
School for 4th graders ends at 3:00.
If this is your first time reading this, please read the post below as it explains how my classroom runs and answers many questions that you have already. Those that I don't answer, please feel free to call me, text me, meet with me, or email me. Together, I GUARANTEE this will be a positive and productive year!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Grewell
Cell/Text: 406-598-2072 (up to 9 pm please)
Email: grewellt@billingsschools.org
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Welcome to Mrs. Grewell's 4th Grade Classroom!
Hello there. Thanks for joining me here. I am your child's 4th grade teacher for the 2014-15 academic school year (YES, it is 2014-15! I messed up on the first day letter!) If you are reading this, I am guessing that you received that very letter at home. Please let me be the first one to welcome you to the 4th grade. I couldn't be more excited to be starting this exciting journey with you.
Before I start in on the who, what, when, where, whys and hows of Classroom G4, I have some URG news! 4th grade classrooms are currently sitting at 28-29 students apiece. If more register, there is a good chance that a 5th fourth grade teacher will be added. If that happens, and your child is moved to another classroom, Mrs. Meier will send you a letter. I would HATE to lose any student, but at Arrowhead we focus on what is best for all kids. Having over 30 is not in the best interest of your child, or any child. Time will tell on this one. Please know this is a possibility up front. Ok…back to the good news! (THIS JUST IN…WE HIRED ANOTHER 4TH GRADE TEACHER! WATCH FOR NOTICES FROM MRS. MEIER. I MAILED MY LETTER HOME THIS MORNING BEFORE THE NEWS, SO EVERYONE IS GETTING ONE. THERE WILL BE MOVES. HAPPY AND SAD MOMENT!!!!)
So, who exactly is this Mrs. Grewell? Well, most of you may know me as Ms. Erickson. This summer, Zach and I got married. Hence the name change. You pronounce it as Grew…well. Like...I grew up well. It sounds like there are two w's, but there is only one. Don't worry, I still answer to Ms. Erickson as well. In fact, I will probably be confused by Mrs. Grewell myself for awhile. :0)
Zach and I live in Silesia, Montana. That is about 8 miles West of Laurel. We have two children, Emma and Beau. Emma is 10 and will be going into the 5th grade. Beau is 8, and going into 3rd grade. It is quite the challenge to be a mom and a teacher at the same time. Two completely different hats! We live on a family ranch. Zach's entire family lives there as well. We raise cattle and crops year round. It is busy, busy but we all love it! We are blessed to be able to offer our kids both the city and the country lifestyles, as Emma and Beau attend school in Billings.
So, who am I as a teacher? When I ask past students to describe me, they always include two adjectives: strict and nice. To me those are antonyms. How can one be strict but nice at the same time. However, they are 100% correct. I do it by showing, expecting, and giving respect. I have very high expectations for all students and parents, along with myself. One of my favorite sayings in class is choices…consequences. Kids have to be held accountable for their actions. Sometimes consequences are positive, and sometimes the are negative. In the beginning, I tend to be a little more on the strict side. Once procedures are in place, and as we get to know each other on a more personable level the niceness sets in more. Strict is very different then mean. It is all about character for me. I try very hard to model positive character. By doing so, I show them respect. I have never been a teacher that comes to work to work. I am a teacher that truly is invested in making a difference in your child's life and beyond. My philosophy is based on research. If I can win their hearts, then I can teach their brains. Kids don't learn until I build a relationship with them. They have to trust me and the system. If I can do that, then I can help them soar to new heights. Therefore, I often say that I am 75% character driven as a teacher and 25% academic. That may sound lopsided and scary to a parent, but allow me to ease your mind. If I take the time to care, really, really care about your child, then the academics just literally flow into place. It is quite amazing really. You just have to trust me on this one, remembering that I have been doing this for over 14 years now.
With that being said, I want you to know that I realize that I can NOT do this without you. I can NOT tap into your child's true potential without your trust, backing, and support. It is just not possible. Therefore, you and I working together is a very important piece to the success of your child's education. One way I do that is with this blog. I will post religiously daily. If I miss a post, it means that something odd has come up. It is rare, rare, rare that I miss a day. I generally post daily after school lets out. I try to have it up by 4:30. I post a daily dinner discussion topic as well. I do this so you can avoid the dreaded "What did you do at school today" question, and avoid the even more dreaded answer of "Nothing." Urg…so frustrating. I have titled my blog A Fly on the Wall for a reason. I want you to know exactly what is going on each day your child is with me. I do tend to get wordy, and many times I act as if this is my personal journal and reflection time. It may seem as if I ramble on and on and on at times. Know that I know this. It is just me loving your kids! Know also that there are times that I will make spelling and grammatical errors while posting. I don't have time to go back and proofread posts. I just want to get important information out to you as quickly as I can daily. Thanks for being forgiving on this issue. I will also post pictures and videos of your kiddos in action. In order for this to happen, I will need the permission slip found in your before school letter signed and returned. Kids that don't have permission, will be asked to step out of picture shots to ensure they are not posted. Kids LOVE to see themselves on the blog!!! I will never post your child's first and last name. I will only ever type their first. This blog is open to the public. Therefore any relative is welcome to visit it. Grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and siblings at college can check in too. You will just need to give them the address: grewellt2014.blogspot.com. Fun!
It is important to address that when I type the blog I am talking to ALL parents. I am not talking directly to you or about your child. There will be times that I request a discussion at home about an issue that comes up in the classroom. This does not mean that your child is the one doing it. It just means that it is a topic I need to be reviewed and discussed at home for all kids. If there is an issue that is out of character for your child, I will address you personally, privately, and promptly. I am a big believer of nipping things in the bud before they grow into huge issues. I will try very hard to avoid surprising you with issues. I find it frustrating when I get a report card after 45 days and my child has been misbehaving in class or is struggling in a certain subject. Why didn't someone tell me before this? I believe that report cards should reenforce what you already know has been happening all year long.
Along with the blog, I will also communicate by phone or email. I am best at texting for the quick things. If it is an issue at school, I will always call you or request a one on one conference. I try very hard to respond quickly to emails, calls, and texts. Please allow at least one day however. Please also make an appointment to come in and talk. Before and after school are very busy times for me, and I am at times in meetings or with students during those times. I want to talk to you though, so please do NOT hesitate to get a hold of me. I will give you all of my contact information at the Meet the Teacher event on August 25th. I do give out my personal cell number. Please feel free to use it, but remember that I am also a busy mom at home. If I don't respond or answer right away it is because I am busy with my own children. If we are texting, please know that I will just quick response back to you. Don't read too much into it. I usually just answer or ask a question quickly. Let's save sensitive issues for face to face communication to avoid miscommunications due to technology. Lastly, please do NOT text me changes in kids schedules or pick up routines. I don't always get those in time. Please call the office for those things, and they will get the message to me in time. Thanks!
Water bottles are encouraged in the classroom daily. Due to classroom distractions, I don't allow kids to use the classroom water fountain. Once one of them does, then they all want to. We are lucky to be an air conditioned school, but we still do have recess daily. When I was a kid I certainly didn't have a water bottle on my desk, so kids will not die without one, but there is research showing how having water on hand does help kids do better in school. If kids forget one, they may purchase one from me with their fake classroom money if I have some available. Water bottles will need to go home daily to get refilled. Ice is always a good idea as well. All I ask is that water bottles are just the regular sized cylinder shape. Please don't send giant thermos or bottle types. Remember, what goes in does have to eventually come out. Kids are allowed to use the restroom before school, during recess times, and after school. If they need to go during class instruction time, they will have to pay with their fake classroom money.
Let's talk snacks. We have the last lunch slot this year, so a mid-morning snack is important. I allow kids to bring an individual snack each day. We will have it after recess before lunch. We do not do a snack time. They simply get it out and eat it while we still work. They need to be mature about it and be able to eat quickly, cleanly, and appropriately. Snacks HAVE to be healthy. I don't allow potato chips, cookies, or any type of candy. Nuts, granola bars, fruit, veggies, hard boiled eggs, yogurts, cheese sticks, crackers, and so on are awesome snacks. Please make sure eggs and nuts are deshelled before coming to school. I do have a small fridge in the classroom if they need to keep it cold. Please do NOT send in weekly snacks. There is no room to store them. Kids just need to bring in enough for one day. One snack is plenty. If kids push limits on snacks, they will lose the privilege for a period of time.
Homework will be given daily M-Thurs. I do not give homework on the weekends. It will be in addition to our classwork. I don't give just busy work for homework. Whatever comes home will be a review of things I have taught them in class, and should not need much assistance from you. It should be practice of a skill they already know. It should not take any longer than 40 minutes. If you are finding that it is taking more than that or that they are not getting it alone or with little help, please let me know asap. If kids are bringing home a lot of homework, they may be struggling with staying on task during seat work time. If they don't finish an assignment in class, it then becomes additional homework. I try very hard to budget enough time for all kids to finish assignments. If students don't use that time wisely, they may end up with more. Again, let me know asap and we will figure out why.
If your child is absent from class they will receive an excused mark in the grade book. It does not hurt their overall grade, however they will have less to average with at the end of the quarter. I do NOT do make up work. I work hard to prepare original lessons to teach your child. If they are not in class to receive the lesson, how can I possibly expect them to do the work? I surely don't expect you to teach them. I don't think I could come to your work and just do your job the way you do. Therefore, I don't expect you to do mine either. Kids will just return and jump in where we are. I will always help them understand concepts they missed to catch them up. The only exceptions is if we are reading a novel. I may choose to send it with them on vacation. Missed tests will be made up upon return, if a student was in class to receive the content being assessed. That being said, it is sooooo important that kids are in school every single day. :0)
I use a fake money classroom management system. Depending on their choices, they will earn or be fined fake money amounts (Super Bucks!). They will be able to buy into special privileges such as fun reward coupons and field trips with their fake money.We will talk more on this at open house.
Specialist classes are listed off to the right. They are different in the intermediate grades. Kids now add Art to their list of classes. Library is also an hour long now instead of a half hour. In addition to PE, kids now have Health. They will have music twice a week instead of once. 4th graders play the recorders as well. Having the correct tennis shoes on gym days and library books back on time will effect their report card grades. In addition, kids will have academic classes: Reading, Writing, Language, Spelling, Science, Regional U.S. Social Studies, Montana History, and Math. In Regional U.S. Social Studies, students will learn about all 50 of the U.S. States. They will be tested on states and capitals in each of the 5 U.S. regions. Montana History is an interactive notebook. There will be many activities that include crafty ways of learning. Hence the large amount of glue sticks needed on the supply list. Lastly, your child will have Character Lessons daily. We do this in a morning meeting setting that I call Fly Time. This year, we will base our lessons on a Superhero theme. Kids will learn how to become the best superhero they can be, and avoid behaviors and choices that would resemble a villain. This summer, I read a book called What's Under Your Cape? It was a book stressing ten different character traits that kids need to master in order to survive in the real world. I have many stories and activities that will help solidify these concepts into everyday happenings. My hope is that all students leave my classroom in 180 days knowing they are loved, important, and good people with good character. My dream is that they will fly as high as they possibly can with a positive cape tied around their necks and can feel the power of that cape when interacting with others. BELIEVE!
Spelling words are also listed off to the right. The test will be on Fridays. As the year progresses, I will offer an alternate list for those that are ready for a challenge in this area. It will be their choice if they test on those words or the regular list. I try to have the new words up by the Sunday before.
Well, I am sure you are either overly informed or totally overwhelmed by now. No worries! Your child and I will spend the first three days on procedures and addressing all of the issues discussed above. Please bring any questions you may have to open house. I can't wait to meet all of you on Monday, August 25th at the back to school Meet the Teacher night. Families are welcome and encouraged to bring in all supplies anytime between 4:45-5:45 p.m. on that day. It is sooooo much easier to have all the classroom supplies BEFORE kids walk in. That way I can put away all the kleenix and other supplies that don't go in kids individual desk. Please also bring in the permission slips I sent in the before school starts letter. You may also purchase your child's planner that night for $5. Arrowhead only takes cash or check. Please purchase the school planner only. It is easiest if everyone has the same one.
Again, I can't wait to join forces with all of you and have the best year yet! Welcome, welcome, welcome!
Kindly,
Mrs. Grewell
Before I start in on the who, what, when, where, whys and hows of Classroom G4, I have some URG news! 4th grade classrooms are currently sitting at 28-29 students apiece. If more register, there is a good chance that a 5th fourth grade teacher will be added. If that happens, and your child is moved to another classroom, Mrs. Meier will send you a letter. I would HATE to lose any student, but at Arrowhead we focus on what is best for all kids. Having over 30 is not in the best interest of your child, or any child. Time will tell on this one. Please know this is a possibility up front. Ok…back to the good news! (THIS JUST IN…WE HIRED ANOTHER 4TH GRADE TEACHER! WATCH FOR NOTICES FROM MRS. MEIER. I MAILED MY LETTER HOME THIS MORNING BEFORE THE NEWS, SO EVERYONE IS GETTING ONE. THERE WILL BE MOVES. HAPPY AND SAD MOMENT!!!!)
So, who exactly is this Mrs. Grewell? Well, most of you may know me as Ms. Erickson. This summer, Zach and I got married. Hence the name change. You pronounce it as Grew…well. Like...I grew up well. It sounds like there are two w's, but there is only one. Don't worry, I still answer to Ms. Erickson as well. In fact, I will probably be confused by Mrs. Grewell myself for awhile. :0)
Zach and I live in Silesia, Montana. That is about 8 miles West of Laurel. We have two children, Emma and Beau. Emma is 10 and will be going into the 5th grade. Beau is 8, and going into 3rd grade. It is quite the challenge to be a mom and a teacher at the same time. Two completely different hats! We live on a family ranch. Zach's entire family lives there as well. We raise cattle and crops year round. It is busy, busy but we all love it! We are blessed to be able to offer our kids both the city and the country lifestyles, as Emma and Beau attend school in Billings.
So, who am I as a teacher? When I ask past students to describe me, they always include two adjectives: strict and nice. To me those are antonyms. How can one be strict but nice at the same time. However, they are 100% correct. I do it by showing, expecting, and giving respect. I have very high expectations for all students and parents, along with myself. One of my favorite sayings in class is choices…consequences. Kids have to be held accountable for their actions. Sometimes consequences are positive, and sometimes the are negative. In the beginning, I tend to be a little more on the strict side. Once procedures are in place, and as we get to know each other on a more personable level the niceness sets in more. Strict is very different then mean. It is all about character for me. I try very hard to model positive character. By doing so, I show them respect. I have never been a teacher that comes to work to work. I am a teacher that truly is invested in making a difference in your child's life and beyond. My philosophy is based on research. If I can win their hearts, then I can teach their brains. Kids don't learn until I build a relationship with them. They have to trust me and the system. If I can do that, then I can help them soar to new heights. Therefore, I often say that I am 75% character driven as a teacher and 25% academic. That may sound lopsided and scary to a parent, but allow me to ease your mind. If I take the time to care, really, really care about your child, then the academics just literally flow into place. It is quite amazing really. You just have to trust me on this one, remembering that I have been doing this for over 14 years now.
With that being said, I want you to know that I realize that I can NOT do this without you. I can NOT tap into your child's true potential without your trust, backing, and support. It is just not possible. Therefore, you and I working together is a very important piece to the success of your child's education. One way I do that is with this blog. I will post religiously daily. If I miss a post, it means that something odd has come up. It is rare, rare, rare that I miss a day. I generally post daily after school lets out. I try to have it up by 4:30. I post a daily dinner discussion topic as well. I do this so you can avoid the dreaded "What did you do at school today" question, and avoid the even more dreaded answer of "Nothing." Urg…so frustrating. I have titled my blog A Fly on the Wall for a reason. I want you to know exactly what is going on each day your child is with me. I do tend to get wordy, and many times I act as if this is my personal journal and reflection time. It may seem as if I ramble on and on and on at times. Know that I know this. It is just me loving your kids! Know also that there are times that I will make spelling and grammatical errors while posting. I don't have time to go back and proofread posts. I just want to get important information out to you as quickly as I can daily. Thanks for being forgiving on this issue. I will also post pictures and videos of your kiddos in action. In order for this to happen, I will need the permission slip found in your before school letter signed and returned. Kids that don't have permission, will be asked to step out of picture shots to ensure they are not posted. Kids LOVE to see themselves on the blog!!! I will never post your child's first and last name. I will only ever type their first. This blog is open to the public. Therefore any relative is welcome to visit it. Grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and siblings at college can check in too. You will just need to give them the address: grewellt2014.blogspot.com. Fun!
It is important to address that when I type the blog I am talking to ALL parents. I am not talking directly to you or about your child. There will be times that I request a discussion at home about an issue that comes up in the classroom. This does not mean that your child is the one doing it. It just means that it is a topic I need to be reviewed and discussed at home for all kids. If there is an issue that is out of character for your child, I will address you personally, privately, and promptly. I am a big believer of nipping things in the bud before they grow into huge issues. I will try very hard to avoid surprising you with issues. I find it frustrating when I get a report card after 45 days and my child has been misbehaving in class or is struggling in a certain subject. Why didn't someone tell me before this? I believe that report cards should reenforce what you already know has been happening all year long.
Along with the blog, I will also communicate by phone or email. I am best at texting for the quick things. If it is an issue at school, I will always call you or request a one on one conference. I try very hard to respond quickly to emails, calls, and texts. Please allow at least one day however. Please also make an appointment to come in and talk. Before and after school are very busy times for me, and I am at times in meetings or with students during those times. I want to talk to you though, so please do NOT hesitate to get a hold of me. I will give you all of my contact information at the Meet the Teacher event on August 25th. I do give out my personal cell number. Please feel free to use it, but remember that I am also a busy mom at home. If I don't respond or answer right away it is because I am busy with my own children. If we are texting, please know that I will just quick response back to you. Don't read too much into it. I usually just answer or ask a question quickly. Let's save sensitive issues for face to face communication to avoid miscommunications due to technology. Lastly, please do NOT text me changes in kids schedules or pick up routines. I don't always get those in time. Please call the office for those things, and they will get the message to me in time. Thanks!
Water bottles are encouraged in the classroom daily. Due to classroom distractions, I don't allow kids to use the classroom water fountain. Once one of them does, then they all want to. We are lucky to be an air conditioned school, but we still do have recess daily. When I was a kid I certainly didn't have a water bottle on my desk, so kids will not die without one, but there is research showing how having water on hand does help kids do better in school. If kids forget one, they may purchase one from me with their fake classroom money if I have some available. Water bottles will need to go home daily to get refilled. Ice is always a good idea as well. All I ask is that water bottles are just the regular sized cylinder shape. Please don't send giant thermos or bottle types. Remember, what goes in does have to eventually come out. Kids are allowed to use the restroom before school, during recess times, and after school. If they need to go during class instruction time, they will have to pay with their fake classroom money.
Let's talk snacks. We have the last lunch slot this year, so a mid-morning snack is important. I allow kids to bring an individual snack each day. We will have it after recess before lunch. We do not do a snack time. They simply get it out and eat it while we still work. They need to be mature about it and be able to eat quickly, cleanly, and appropriately. Snacks HAVE to be healthy. I don't allow potato chips, cookies, or any type of candy. Nuts, granola bars, fruit, veggies, hard boiled eggs, yogurts, cheese sticks, crackers, and so on are awesome snacks. Please make sure eggs and nuts are deshelled before coming to school. I do have a small fridge in the classroom if they need to keep it cold. Please do NOT send in weekly snacks. There is no room to store them. Kids just need to bring in enough for one day. One snack is plenty. If kids push limits on snacks, they will lose the privilege for a period of time.
Homework will be given daily M-Thurs. I do not give homework on the weekends. It will be in addition to our classwork. I don't give just busy work for homework. Whatever comes home will be a review of things I have taught them in class, and should not need much assistance from you. It should be practice of a skill they already know. It should not take any longer than 40 minutes. If you are finding that it is taking more than that or that they are not getting it alone or with little help, please let me know asap. If kids are bringing home a lot of homework, they may be struggling with staying on task during seat work time. If they don't finish an assignment in class, it then becomes additional homework. I try very hard to budget enough time for all kids to finish assignments. If students don't use that time wisely, they may end up with more. Again, let me know asap and we will figure out why.
If your child is absent from class they will receive an excused mark in the grade book. It does not hurt their overall grade, however they will have less to average with at the end of the quarter. I do NOT do make up work. I work hard to prepare original lessons to teach your child. If they are not in class to receive the lesson, how can I possibly expect them to do the work? I surely don't expect you to teach them. I don't think I could come to your work and just do your job the way you do. Therefore, I don't expect you to do mine either. Kids will just return and jump in where we are. I will always help them understand concepts they missed to catch them up. The only exceptions is if we are reading a novel. I may choose to send it with them on vacation. Missed tests will be made up upon return, if a student was in class to receive the content being assessed. That being said, it is sooooo important that kids are in school every single day. :0)
I use a fake money classroom management system. Depending on their choices, they will earn or be fined fake money amounts (Super Bucks!). They will be able to buy into special privileges such as fun reward coupons and field trips with their fake money.We will talk more on this at open house.
Specialist classes are listed off to the right. They are different in the intermediate grades. Kids now add Art to their list of classes. Library is also an hour long now instead of a half hour. In addition to PE, kids now have Health. They will have music twice a week instead of once. 4th graders play the recorders as well. Having the correct tennis shoes on gym days and library books back on time will effect their report card grades. In addition, kids will have academic classes: Reading, Writing, Language, Spelling, Science, Regional U.S. Social Studies, Montana History, and Math. In Regional U.S. Social Studies, students will learn about all 50 of the U.S. States. They will be tested on states and capitals in each of the 5 U.S. regions. Montana History is an interactive notebook. There will be many activities that include crafty ways of learning. Hence the large amount of glue sticks needed on the supply list. Lastly, your child will have Character Lessons daily. We do this in a morning meeting setting that I call Fly Time. This year, we will base our lessons on a Superhero theme. Kids will learn how to become the best superhero they can be, and avoid behaviors and choices that would resemble a villain. This summer, I read a book called What's Under Your Cape? It was a book stressing ten different character traits that kids need to master in order to survive in the real world. I have many stories and activities that will help solidify these concepts into everyday happenings. My hope is that all students leave my classroom in 180 days knowing they are loved, important, and good people with good character. My dream is that they will fly as high as they possibly can with a positive cape tied around their necks and can feel the power of that cape when interacting with others. BELIEVE!
Spelling words are also listed off to the right. The test will be on Fridays. As the year progresses, I will offer an alternate list for those that are ready for a challenge in this area. It will be their choice if they test on those words or the regular list. I try to have the new words up by the Sunday before.
Well, I am sure you are either overly informed or totally overwhelmed by now. No worries! Your child and I will spend the first three days on procedures and addressing all of the issues discussed above. Please bring any questions you may have to open house. I can't wait to meet all of you on Monday, August 25th at the back to school Meet the Teacher night. Families are welcome and encouraged to bring in all supplies anytime between 4:45-5:45 p.m. on that day. It is sooooo much easier to have all the classroom supplies BEFORE kids walk in. That way I can put away all the kleenix and other supplies that don't go in kids individual desk. Please also bring in the permission slips I sent in the before school starts letter. You may also purchase your child's planner that night for $5. Arrowhead only takes cash or check. Please purchase the school planner only. It is easiest if everyone has the same one.
Again, I can't wait to join forces with all of you and have the best year yet! Welcome, welcome, welcome!
Kindly,
Mrs. Grewell
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