We had a fantastic week getting to know our new classmates and our new classroom. We have been working hard to learn some new classroom expectations and bathroom procedures.
Keep an eye out for our classroom newsletter. On alternating weeks you will receive a class newsletter or the Eagle Chatter (school newsletter). Additional copies are available and both are available online. The Eagle Chatter is on the school webpage and our newsletter will available on Mrs. Goepfert’s webpage. I will begin emailing newsletters next week after I receive all the pink forms. I also like to send little reminders to parents using email.
School Arrival and Departure- Your child needs to go directly to the playground when they arrive. This is a great opportunity for your child to greet and talk to their friends before school starts. When the first bell rings at 8:30, they will line up outside and I will come pick them up. If it is raining or too cold to be safe, the children will be brought in. Your child should not arrive or be dropped off before 8:20 because there is no supervision. Please do not bring your child into the classroom before the first bell at 8:30. Teachers have meetings and are preparing for the school day before 8:30 and may not be in the classroom.
Please inform me by note or phone the office as early as possible if your child is going home a different way than planned. Even though you may tell your child ten times, they still forget. I need to be sure that your child gets to the right place at the right time. Please do not e-mail changes because I don’t always have time to check our mail during the day.
Paper Work-Please make sure all paperwork including emergency cards, pink sheets, etc. are turned in as soon as possible.
Communication- I have an open door policy! Please feel free to contact me in person, by phone (248-682-2620), or e-mail me at mrsgoepfert@aol.com or GoepfE01@wsdmi.org if you should have any questions or concerns about your child.
I will be glad to meet with parents, however, I do ask that you call and set up an appointment. I have morning, mid-day, and after school meetings and therefore will need some advance notice to set up a conference. I will also be happy to conference with you by phone or e-mail. Remember, it is impossible to have a meaningful conversation as students are entering or exiting the classroom.
Please keep me informed of anything changes in your child’s life that might affect his/her performance or attitude in school. I will do everything possible to provide a positive learning environment.
On Fridays, your child will be bringing home most of their work from the week in their “Friday Folder.” Please look through the work with your child and sign the attached sheet (questions and comments are welcome!). The folder should then be returned each and every Monday. Your child will earn lunch with Mrs. Geopfert after returning their Friday folder ten times.
Reminder: Please post your child’s art, gym, music, library and computer lab schedule so as not to forget necessary items for each day.
Absences- If your child is sick, please keep him/her home. Coming to school will only prolong and spread the illness. We will be glad to send work home when your child is absent with a sibling, neighbor or friend that is designated by you. Please make sure that the work is finished and returned as soon as possible.
Please remember to call the safety line at 248-674-5972 if your child is going to be absent. It is helpful if you send in a note for planned absences with the date(s) and the reason for the absence.
Snacks- I will have snack every morning around 10:00. Please send a snack with your child each day. Snacks will not be provided if your child does not have one. I prefer that snacks brought to school are healthy and easy to handle (please peel and cut in advance). Some healthy choices include: fruit, veggies, crackers, raisins, pretzels, etc. I try to discourage “junk food” like cookies or chips.
Water Bottle Request-We do not have a drinking fountain in our classroom. Please send in a water bottle with a push/pull top for your child. I prefer this type of water bottle because screw tops tend to spill and make a huge mess. A lot of instructional time is lost if children leave the room to go to the drinking fountain.
Birthdays-If you plan to send a treat for your child’s birthday, please be sure to send in enough for the entire class, along with napkins. We currently have 21 students, 11 girls and 10 boys. The children often enjoy having a few extras to pass out to other staff members. Please be sure that the treat is easy for your child to pass out and is precut or in individual portions. Summer or vacation birthdays can be celebrated on a day chosen by your and your child. Please just let us know at least one day in advance.
Book Orders-Book Orders are due on Friday, September 18h. You only need to write one check even if you order from more than one book order. Please make checks payable to Scholastic. No cash please.
Highlights- Highlight orders are also being sent home. They are due on Friday, September 18th. Feel free to order if you wish. However, do not feel obligated. Please send in the order form regardless of your decision because we receive free classroom items. Please be sure to sign the form. Thank you in advance for helping us earn extra things for our room. Last year we were able to receive 3 hand pointers and a 100 pocket chart.
Homework- Homework will be sent home each Friday and is to be returned no later than the following Thursday. I expect classroom assignments will be completed during the school day. If your child is unable to complete his/her work in school throughout the week, the incomplete work will be sent home in their Friday Folder. This work should be completed at home and returned to school.
Summer Journals- We will be sharing our summer gorilla journals starting next week. If you child kept a summer gorilla journal please send it in on Monday.
This Week’s Homework-
1. Spelling: Please have your child choose 3 things off the spelling suggestion list for their spelling homework.
2. Writer’s Notebook: Please help your child decorate their writer’s notebook. You may use stickers or pictures. Be creative. BE SURE TO BRING BACK ON MONDAY.
3. Reading: Remember to read 15 minutes everyday and log it in on our reading calendar. Our goal for September is 285 minutes.
4. Math: Please complete the math worksheets that review first grade addition and subtraction skills. There are several sheets to complete throughout the week.
Thank You!

Thank you to all the families who sent in classroom supplies, student supplies and special items we requested at meet and greet. My thank you list would be very long if I mentioned everyone. I hope you realize how much I really appreciate the items and your support.

If your have any questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for all your support in making the beginning of the school year a success for your child and our class.
Elizabeth