Ms. Feinman's Class at Dora Moore

Monday, August 27th, 2012.

Dear Families:

Welcome back to school! I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in Elementary Education. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a MA in Reading Education. Last December I earned my National Board Certification. I previously taught first grade for 5 years in North Carolina. I moved back to Denver to be closer to my family last summer. This is my second year at Dora Moore.

I believe that all children learn differently. By using Howard Gardner’s learning styles (logical mathematical, spatial, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and existential) I adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all students. Reading and Writing Workshop are taught based on what YOUR child needs. For instance, some students are working on forming letters, while other students are working on writing beginning, middle and end. Some students are at the very beginning stages of reading, while others are reading chapter books. I will work toward creating positive classroom atmosphere, where the students respect each other’s learning. They know and understand that you have to start at the first step to get to the top.

Your children receive the best education when you and our dedicated teachers work as a team. It's a parents enthusiasm, support and involvement that inspires children to do their best; and a teacher's ability to teach what they need to learn. Together we can achieve wonderful things. There's a lot of excitement ahead of us, including new books to read, new friends to meet and new skills to master...and I look forward to you sharing in those exciting times. One year your child's in 1st grade and seemingly in the blink of an eye they're in middle school, or in their senior year of high school for that matter. I encourage you to fully embrace the moment and urge you to take the time from your busy schedule to become familiar with our school, as well as create a homework-friendly home environment that will allow your children to excel.

 I also encourage you to come and volunteer in our class. Our classroom blog is http://feinmandoramoore.blogspot.com Check it often for updates!

You may contact me at Dora Moore before or after school at (720) 424-5300. You may contact me on my cell phone before or after school at (336) 577-0315. My school email is Sarah_Feinman@dpsk12.org

Thank you for your commitment to your child's education and I look forward to seeing you in the very near future.

Sincerely,
Ms. Feinman
1st Grade Teacher, Dora Moore

Please click here for the document that will go home.

Spanish Translation

Each day, students will start with their clip on Ready to learn! They can either move their clip to the right or left based on their behavior. Each square has a color. I will put the color their clip was on for the day in their homework folder. You will always know how your child’s behavior was for the day!

Consequences
If they are given a warning, they will move their clip to warning. If they continue to have behavior problems they will go to the Thinking Chair. The Thinking Chair is a place where they sit removed from their classmates. They must write what they did wrong and what they can do next time. If they continue to have behavior problems then I will contact you.

Rewards
When I notice a student doing what is expected I will ask them to move their clip to the left. Students are given high praise when they do the right thing. They will be given special rewards and prizes like stickers, extra computer time, parties, and treats the more often they stay to the left.

Each day is a NEW day! If your child has a bad day, it is ok! He or she starts fresh the next day! Always focus on the positive things your child does!

This newsletter will be sent home every Monday. Check in your child's homework folder!!

Click here for the document that will go home.