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 Weekly Explorer Question (finding places on a map),  is assigned on Monday, and is due on Friday of that week.  The student should write the answer to the question in the Homework Notebook, and be ready to identify and locate the place on the classroom map.  A letter describing this activity was sent home on Monday, Jan. 7.  Please contact me with any questions.

What is the monthly reading requirement?
Beginning January 7, students will start a monthly reading log (reading 300 pages per month). Parents should sign the log and tally the number of pages read, before the student turns it in at the end of the month. ________________________________________________________
Do the children bring a snack each day?
The children may bring one prepackaged (or in a ziploc bag) snack to eat in the morning.  The snack should be something that is not messy or requires a spoon; something they can eat while they are working. 
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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.)  This is a change from previous years .

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.

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 20 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.. 

When do the children go to "Specials"?
Art: Friday    Please send in an oversized t-shirt to wear over uniform.
Gym: Monday   Wear gym shoes, as well as a plain t-shirt and shorts under uniform.
Music: Tuesday
Library: Thursday   Don't forget your book!
Mass: Thursday @ 8:30  Come join us!
Spanish: Wednesday
Technology: Wednesday    

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.    

Do papers need to be returned?
Students will be bringing home a weekly pack of papers, stapled to their Management Sheet.  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. (Tenmarks assignments, when introduced, is a great way to practice). 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.
 
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.