Parents

toc You have the most important job in the world. You are in charge of the most precious treasures: your children. I am honored to be your child's teacher! I firmly believe in the importance of stressing that we are all a team (parent-teacher-student) working towards what is best for your child.
 * Greetings Parents!**

As our planet just seems to get busier, this page is intended to help make your life a bit easier. Here I will post general information, school and district calendars, links of interest, and anything else that may be deemed useful. Check back here frequently, as more information will be added as the school year progresses!

[|KOTA's School Closing List]
Check here to see if school is cancelled or delayed during blizzard season.

Study Guides
While weekly study guides are sent home via hard copy, electronic copies can be found here. This is my primary method of communication with you, so be sure to read the column under //THIS WEEK'S IMPORTANT NOTES.// There you will find information on curriculum, upcoming events, homework assignments, etc. These are due (and must be signed by you) on Friday mornings. However, they are also posted to this site electronically each Monday for your reference. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it each week!


 * HELP! I DON"T UNDERSTAND THE WAY YOU DO MATH!!!**

Dear Families, One of the changes I have seen is the manner in which we teach math at the elementary level. We teach a variety of strategies to help students think mathematically. The children never cease to amaze me with what they can come up with to make meaning out of math. In addition, their mental math is beyond anything I have ever seen in other districts. I was skeptical of the program when I first came to this school district, but I have since changed my perspective based on what I have seen an experienced. In our program, students are challenged to use a variety of strategies to stretch their thinking and improve their reasoning skills. However, that does not help you to help your child. I am attaching some of the strategies we teach in multiplication below.

Multiplication Methods



=BAND= 5th graders have the option of beginning band and we have an excellent program here with Mrs. Hastings. See this week's Study Guide for more information.

SNACKS AND EXERCISE
I require students to exercise as part of their weekly homework. I also allow snacks in the classroom, but snacks are a privilege, not a right. These requirements are not because I am an exercise Nazi or some type of health guru. (I love chocolate and I hate running!) Rather, it is a result of some personal experiences.

From 1995-1999, I taught on the tiny island of Saipan, located 120 miles north of Guam, in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. While I was there, a study was conducted on the health of the island residents, as many of the Pacific islanders were dying before hitting 65. Research was done, and the top 3 killers were all nutrition related. Huge problems resulted from eating processed food, leading to obesity issues, and poor nutrition. The results of that study prompted immediate action. Fortunately for my village, a health task force was created and no junk food policies were put into place for the entire school. Teachers as well as students were not allowed to bring in unhealthy snacks. I have to admit that I was skeptical about its success at first, but I'm happy to report that I was wrong! Eating habits began to change, thus giving hope for the community.

During the past few years, I've noticed this same trend on a global scale for western countries, especially the United States. Obesity is becoming a major issue for our nation due to the combination of poor food quality and lack of exercise. This is exceptionally scary to me, as what children eat today is so important for the health in their future.

I also know that a small snack during the day can make a world of difference for children and adults alike! Therefore, I allow healthy snacks and water bottles (with lids) in the classroom. However, because I want your children to be healthy, I will //not// allow junk food in my classroom. Items such as potato chips, cheetos, corn chips, pretzels, candy, doughnuts, cookies, chocolate covered granola bars, and sugary items containing very little nutritional value and are strictly forbidden. I am especially fond of food that promotes brain development such as fresh fruit, sandwiches, peanut butter, crackers, cheese, hard boiled eggs, nuts, trail mix, and many other non-messy items of nutrional value. (Please do not send sloppy items such as yogurt or anything with juice, due to the "spill factor"!) The students and I will be studying this more as the year goes on to make better choices about what they put in their bodies. Please keep this in mind when helping your child pack his or her snack and lunch. Healthy lifestyle habits start //now//!

=**BIRTHDAY SNACKS**= Feel free to send birthday treats (such as cupcakes) with your child with no worries! If we have any food allergies, I will alert you.

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Calendar Information [|One Page District Calendar]

Links of Interest
[|Stop Bullying Now] [|South Dakota Department of Education] [|Love and Logic Institute] [|HOMEWORK TIPS FOR PARENTS] Don't let homework become a battle. See these tips from the Love and Logic Institute to save your sanity! [|Destress the Morning Article for Parents] My husband and I may be soon venturing into foster parenting and I found this article full of great tips.