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:


Weekly Explorer Question:  Each Monday, or the beginning of the week, the children will be given an “Explorer Question” which should be completed by the end of the week.  The activity will involve finding (at home) some place on a map, globe, atlas or internet site to answer the question, writing the answer down in the homework notebook, then showing me on the classroom map the next day.  For example, this week’s question is “Can you find and name the 7 continents?”  The child (not a parent) should write the answer in the homework notebook at home and be ready to show me on the map at school.  (In the past I have found that a parent will write out the answer and the child then has difficulty locating the place on the map.)  This is a fun activity, which will familiarize the students with world, country, and state maps.



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.


When are "Specials" classes?
We have a  schedule for Specials Classes.  The schedule is as follows:

Monday: Library (Don't forget your book!)
Tuesday: Technology and Gym (Gym clothes: a plain t-shirt and plain shorts are worn under the uniform. Also wear gym type shoes. )
Wednesday: Art (Please send in an oversized t-shirt to be worn over the school uniform.)
Thursday: Mass and Music
Friday:Spanish. 

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. 

Where do the Second Graders line up in the morning?
In the morning, the Second Graders line up inside and next to the fence in front of the Primary Building on St. Joan Street.  They line up behind the First Graders (outside of Room 103, facing the Church.)  

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.

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 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 Special's classroom, or outside the classroom- lunchroom, playground, bathroom, or at Mass. 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. :) 

Can I send in a Birthday treat?
Birthday treats are welcome!  A small, individual treat, such as a cookie,  or Rice Krispie treat works best.  (I have found that the students take off the frosting on fancy cupcakes and only eat the cake.)  Pencils also make nice treats.  Please limit your treat to something small, rather than treats and large goodie bags.  We have 14 students, and I do not know of any allergies in our class.  Students like to visit the office, so a few extra treats are o.k.. 

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 absent, remember to notify the office. If your child is sick, and needs to stay home, I would rather they rest and get well. Homework will be given upon returning to school.   

Do papers need to be returned?
Students will be bringing home a weekly pack of papers in their "Friday Folder".  Unless a paper is marked "Re-Do or Fix", you do not have to return the papers.  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).

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.  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.