The following are the answers to questions you may have throughout the year.  If you have other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me at mkrafchak@stjoan.net. Also, refer to the section on my website "Ways to Help Out at Home" for other ideas to promote your child's learning.

NEW QUESTION: What is the Explorer Question?
The Explorer Question is a new activity in our classroom.  Each Monday (or first day of the week) the students will be given a question about finding a place/ or places on the world or United States of Ameriaca map.  They are to complete the question at home, write their answer in their Homework Notebook, and then be able to locate it on the classroom map that week.  The Explorer Question is due on Friday, but may be answered any day prior, also.  It is important that the students locate and write their answers down, so they are familiar with locating it on the map. 

What is the "Spelling Activities" homework on Mondays?
The "Spelling Activities" homework, which is given on Monday and due by Friday (or the end of the school week, if there is no school on Friday), are activities to help practice the week's spelling words; from writing your words as many times there are letters, to playing an activity on Spelling City. com. After completing 2 activities, and having a parent initial the completion of each activity, the student may turn the homework in.  (Although due on Friday, this may be turned in any day prior.)    

Can I send in a Birthday treat?
We look forward to celebrating your child's birthday!  You may send a birthday treat to celebrate.  If you would like to send in an "edible treat", please send in a prepackaged treat.  It will be easier to distribute.  Pencils, or other "nonedible" treats are also ok.  Know that if you choose not to send in a treat, we will still celebrate and sing for them. :)


Can my child bring water bottle(s) to school?
Yes, and they are encouraged, considering the drinking fountains have been turned off due to COVID 19.  We will have extra water bottles here at school, and have water filling stations.
Please label your child's water bottle(s). Disposable water bottles will be recycled. Thank you.

When are "Specials" classes?
We do have a  schedule for Specials Classes at this time.  This schedule is tentative, as we will only be having Gym, Art, and Music at this time. 

Monday: Library (but not at this time)
Tuesday: Gym
Wednesday: Mass @ 8:30 in Church, Technology
Thursday:
Friday: Art and Spanish

Where do the Second Graders line up in the morning?
Students no longer line up in the morning.  Students may arrive at school (wearing a mask),  beginning at 7:45.  1st and 2nd grade students will enter  the Primary Building doors between the two school building off St. Joan Street. At 8:00 A.M., the school doors will be locked and students must enter the Main Door off of Overlake and proceed directly to the office. 

Where is pickup at dismissal, and can my child go home with a friend?
Children will be dismissed through the Primary Building doors between the two buildings.  If your child is going home with a friend, I need a signed note stating with whom the child will be going home, and who will be picking up your child after school before I can release him/her. It is important at dismissal to proceed directly to your car, to avoid congregating around the school.

What if my child is going to Latch Key?
If your child is going to latch key please send in a note to let me know.  Also, If you have a set schedule, send that schedule in and you won't have to send a note each time.

Do the children bring a snack each day?
The children may bring a healthy snack on noon dismissal days.  The snack should be something that is not messy or requires a spoon; something they can eat while they are working.  Also, the snack will be kept in their desk, so it should be something small, prepackaged or in a ziploc, and not something in a container. 

Do I sign the homework notebook?
Each day the children write the homework assignment in their homework notebook.  I do not post the homework on line because I am trying to teach the children to be responsible for their own homework.  Please go over the homework and sign the notebook each night. This lets me know you saw the homework and supervised its completion.  (The children enjoy receiving a stamp if the notebook has been signed.)  I do check the notebook each morning, so if you have a question or concern you may write it here. I will  answer you as soon as possible.

What are "Uh-Ohs?
"Uh-Ohs" take the place of Daily Behavior Charts, and are orange colored forms used to communicate difficulties (behavior, work, organization, etc.) your child may be having during the school day; whether it be in the Homeroom, or outside the classroom- lunchroom, playground, or bathroom. These forms are only sent home after a student has been fairly reminded to correct a problem.  The form will be stapled to the Daily Homework Notebook, and should be signed by the student and parent, and returned the next day.  If your child  does not come home with an "Uh-Oh", you'll know their day went smoothly. :) Uh-Ohs will start a few weeks into the school year.  I will let you know when this is.

How do I contact you?
As I have stated above in the Homework Notebook section, I do read the notebook and will respond to any question you have via this notebook. I read my e-mail (mkrafchak@stjoan.net) before and after school, and will respond to you as quickly as possible.  If you need to contact me during school hours, please call the school office, and they will deliver your message to me.  I find that if you have a concern it is best to discuss this in person.  I will gladly meet with you.  Do not hesitate to contact me.

What about homework/absences?
If your child is sick, please contact the school office. (775-8370). Students will receive homework upon their return.  If they are sick, I would like them to rest.

Do papers need to be returned?
Students will be bringing home a weekly pack of papers; usually on Friday.  Please go over them, and praise your child for their accomplishments, then discuss the mistakes, but not dwell on them.  I have told my students that mistakes are how we learn.  If you notice your child skipping things, talk to them about going over their work carefully, beginning with remembering their name (first and last).

What do you mean by "Study Spelling, Vocab. and H.F. words"?

Each Friday,  your child is given a paper with the following week's Spelling, Vocabulary, and High Frequency (H.F.) words.  Each night, your child should practice saying all of the words, and learn how to spell the Spelling words for Friday's Spelling test.  Your child should know how to pronounce and use the Spelling, Vocabulary and High Frequency words in a sentence.  Your child should also be able to give a description or definition of the Vocabulary word.  This practice will help increase your child's vocabulary and word usage.

How does my child "practice math and write down how" on Wednesday nights?
Your child should be practicing math with flash cards every night, in order to memorize them.  On Wednesday nights you should spend time doing the flashcards, as well as practicing the skills we have been learning in our daily math classes.  Math is a continuous learning process, and this extra pracice should help in maintaining the understanding of the skills presented.  This practice can be done on the computer, in the form of worksheets, or games, or any other way which helps your child learn and enjoy learning. Writing it down in the notebook clues me in on the various ways the students are learning. Practice should be for at least an extra 15 minutes.

Do you send book orders home?  
Throughout the year I will be sending Scholastic Book Orders home.  These books may be ordered online or using the paper bookorder sent home.  If  you are sending the order into school, please send a check only, made out to Scholastic Book Club.  If you are ordering online our Class Code is Q8G3G.  Thank you.
 
Can students access Scholastic News at home?
Students are now capable of logging into the Scholastic News Edition 2 online resources, either on a computer or Ipad app.  When logging into Student view on the site, they will choose the display name: Mrs. Krafchak's Class and type in the classroom password: frogbug5297.