• What does a typical day of learning look like?

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    It is not yet known what a typical day will look like in 2020-21.  More information will be posted as I learn more.

     

    A typical day in 2019-20 looked like this:

    9:05-9:20  Arrival*

    9:20-9:30  Morning Meeting

    9:30-11:25  English Language Arts (reading, writing, spelling, speaking/listening)

    11:30-11:55  *Lunch*

    12:00-12:30  Recess

    12:30-1:40  Math

    1:40 Healthy Snack and Story*

    1:50-2:50 Specials (Explorations**, Music, Gym, Media, Art, CORE***)

    2:50  Number Corner

    3:10-3:30  STEM

    3:30  Closing Meeting

    3:40 Pack and Stack (pack up and stack chairs)

    3:50  Dismissal

     

    As you can see, our days are packed with learning!

    *scheduled group restroom/handwashing break

    **Explorations is a combination of Science and Social Studies

    ***CORE is Technology and Engineering

     
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  • Is there snack time?

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    It is not yet known what snack time will look like in 2020-21 and if there will be a time for snacks.  More information will be posted as I learn more.
     
    2019-20:
     
    We eat lunch from 11:30-11:55.  Snack time will be at 1:40.
     
    Bringing a snack is optional.  Snacks MUST be healthy and tidy.  Due to classroom food allergies and student diet restrictions, snacks may not be shared among classmates.  Severe peanut allergies in the classroom mean peanuts, granola bars with peanuts, healthy food items with peanuts, etc. should be avoided for safety.
     
    Healthy, nut-free snack ideas include fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, whole grain crackers, whole grain cereal, cereal bars, fruit leather, popcorn, and pretzels.  Some students save fresh or dried fruit from their school or home lunch for snack, which also reduces food waste in the cafeteria.  Cookies, snack cakes, fried chips and other unhealthy snacks with poor nutritional quality and will be sent home for students to eat at home.  Tidy snacks help keep our room clean and free of unwanted guests like mice and ants.  Families are responsible for any utensils students may need to eat a snack.
     
    During snack time, students will eat quietly and listen to a book read-aloud.
     
     
     
     

     

     
     
     
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  • How are birthdays celebrated?

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    Due to classroom food allergies, student diet restrictions, and to promote the Anoka-Hennepin District Wellness Policy, students in our classroom will not bring edible birthday treats.
     
    Research shows children in classrooms with the most books consistently outperform their peers who are in classrooms with few books (Trelease).  Instead of birthday treats to eat, students may donate a favorite book to the classroom library in honor of their birthday.  Mrs. Mabel will read the birthday child's book to the class and the birthday child's name, picture, and date will be placed inside the book.  The book is then placed in the classroom library.  This practice celebrates the child's birthday beyond a single day, is educational, and it protects the safety students with food allergies.
     
    We will celebrate your child's birthday book donation on the day closest to the actual birthdate.  If your child has a summer birthday, we will do a summer birthday countdown and celebrate summer birthdays during the last days of the school year.  I will notify families of children with summer birthdays in late May.
     
    One more birthday item to note:  please distribute birthday invitations outside of school as this will prevent hurt feelings.  
     
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  • Who do I notify if there is an end of day dismissal change?

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    It is not yet known what dismissal will look like in 2020-21.  More information will be posted as I learn more.

    2019-20:

    Dismissal begins at 3:47pm and can be a busy time for students and staff.  To help assure that all students are dismissed in a safe manner, parents/guardians must notify the school when there is a change in their student's end of the day dismissal.

    Parents/Guardians should call 763-506-3614 before 3:00pm to report a change in how your child will go home for that day.  Please do not rely on sending an email to me for changes, as sometimes there are substitute teachers covering the class and the email will not be read.  Dismissal phone messages will be checked by the office at 3:00pm each day and dismissal changes will be given to Mrs. Mabel or the substitute teacher before dismissal begins.  Parents/Guardians may also send in a written/signed note with your student to give to the teacher.

    For any dismissal changes after 3:00pm, you will need to come into the office to sign your child out.  The office understands that emergencies to arise, but encourages parents/guardings to avoid making dismissal changes after 3:00pm.
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  • How do you communicate with families?

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    The last day of every school week I send an email update to all families.
     
    The beginning of every school month I send home a paper First Grade Newsletter and 1M Calendar in your student's take home folder.
     
    Every first day of Weeks 1-5 in Reading Wonders units I send home a paper Wonders Newsletter that includes spelling words (there is no Wonders Newsletter sent home Week 6) .
     
    I send emails and handwritten notes, along with make phone calls, as needed.*
     
    This classroom website is also a valuable resource for information and information communication.
     
    *If you have questions, need to talk with me about a concern, or wish to let me know something, please do so by sending an email (the most efficient way to communicate with me), voicemail, or a written note.  I will read notes before school and check email and voicemail once every morning and afternoon.  Though every message will be read and heard, I will respond at the end of the school day or within 48 hours (not including weekends).  This response method is the least disruptive to student learning. 
     
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  • What is the best way to reach you?

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    Email is the best way to contact me.  If you have questions, need to talk with me about a concern, or wish to let me know something, please let me know by sending an email, voicemail, or a written note. 
     
    I will read notes before school and check email and voicemail once every morning and afternoon.  Though every message will be read and heard, I will respond at the end of the school day or within 48 hours (not including weekends).  This response method is the least disruptive to student learning.
     
     
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  • What are your home learning expectations?

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    Home learning is a positive term for what is also known as "homework."  
     
    Your student will have a red "Take Home Folder".  Your student is expected to bring this folder to and from school daily.  This folder serves as a consistent communication tool between school and home.  Please empty and go through this folder with your student each night.  The daily habit of going through your student's backpack and take home folder is a great way to have your student tell you about the school day!  Your support at home is important to your student's success.
     
    Home learning is not a requirement.  Families are busy and students need time to play, relax, and just enjoy being young (the less screen time doing all of these things, the better).  More than anything, home learning is a way to communicate what we do at school.  
     
    Reading home learning:  Our school-wide goal for reading is 20 minutes every day at home, but 10-15 minutes (or more) of daily reading at home is expected in first grade.  Students will receive a monthly reading calendar where they record the number of minutes they read at home during the month. Starting after the fall break, students will bring a book bag containing a book they select from our classroom library in a book bag.  Your student is expected to read and bring his or her book/bookbag to and from school daily. 
    Spelling home learning:  Look for weekly spelling lists on Digital Day 1.  Your student is expected to study the words on the list at home.  Students take spelling tests on Digital Day 5 (weeks 1-5, not week 6).
    Math home learning:  Look for blue Home Connections sheets.  Math Home Connections communicate what students are learning in Bridges in Mathematics, our district Math resource.  Math Home Connections will come home _______ (frequency TBD).  Families should read ________.  Students should return completed Home Connections sheets, but the sheets are not graded.
    Other home learning:   Make writing a habit that students enjoy and practice with regularity.  Activities may include writing notes, thank you notes, lists, books, and making games and comic strips.  Support your student's exploration of education websites and applications.  Visit the local library, museums, etc.
     
     
     
     
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  • Why do you turn off comments in See Saw?

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    See Saw is a rich way to communicate and celebrate student learning at school.  Please comment and celebrate your student's See Saw activity posts with them, in person.  Ask them about what they did, look at what they did together, give them specific feedback and compliments, etc.  See Saw is a great conversation starter!  

     
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  • What should my student bring to school every day?

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    It is not yet known what will be brought to and from school every in-person day during the 2020-21 school year.  More information will be posted as I learn more.
     
    2019-20:
     
    Your child should bring a backpack to school every day.
     
    Make sure the following is in the backpack:
     
    *book bag and book every day (this will be sent home starting in October)
    *red plastic take home folder with any completed home learning/homework every day
    *media book (on media days)
    *gym shoes and socks (on gym days)
    *lunch (if your child brings a lunch)
    *a healthy, tidy snack (optional)
     
     
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  • What is flexible seating?

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    It is not yet known what student flexible seating options will look like in 2020-21.  It is known that students will be distanced per CDC guidelines.  More information will be posted as I learn more.

    2019-20:

    Students in 1M have many different seating options, also known as flexible seating.  They decide which seat in our classroom will work best for their learning style.  Every week they make a new choice.  The seating choices will include: wobble chairs, ball chairs, chairs with stability cushions, chairs with exercise bands, a standing table with stools, and a sitting table with cushions.  There are rules and expectations for flexible seating.  Because flexible seating is a privilege, the teacher (myself or another teacher) can move students. Flexible seating acknowledges that students have different learning styles. As a teacher, I want to empower students to choose the seat that best meets their needs so they can do their best work.
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  • What are brag tags?

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    I am not certain if Monroe will have brag tags 2020-21.  More information will be posted as I learn more.

     

    2019-20:

    Brag tags are used to recognize, encourage, and reward positive behavior and student effort.  Brag tags also recognize and reward students for participation, positive attitudes, setting and meeting goals, making academic progress, and more. Brag tags motivate students to make good choices and do their best.

     

    Most of the time, brag tags are awarded to individual students.  This encourages personal responsibility and sound decision making. 

    Students earn and collect brag tags throughout the school year.  Brag tags stay at school until the end of the school year.  On the last day of school, they get to take their brag tag collection home to keep for forever!
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  • Why do students NOT use community supplies?

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    Student community supplies are typically used in first grade.  However, community supplies will not be used during the 2020-21 school year, due to COVID-19.  Community supplies are wonderful for all the reasons stated below, but during a global pandemic students will have their own supplies for the health and safety of all.

    2019-20:

    A community supply system is a system where all supplies are shared by everyone. I’ve found community supplies make for a much more peaceful classroom. This system helps foster a sense that the classroom and everything in it belong to everyone and it helps children learn how to share and cooperate.  It also fits well with our flexible seating model.

    Because we have tables (not desks) students will be able to take some supplies from the school supply list (like the pencil box and dry eraser) home to use or return to the store for a refund/store credit.
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  • What is Morning Meeting and Closing Meeting?

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    Morning Meeting is in the morning.  

    Morning Meeting is an engaging way to start each day, build a strong sense of community, and set children up for success socially and academically.

    Each morning during Morning Meeting, students and teachers engage in the following:

    1. Greeting: Students and teachers greet one other by name and practice offering hospitality.
    2. Sharing: Students share information about important events in their lives. Listeners often offer empathetic comments or ask clarifying questions.
    3. Morning Message: Students read and interact with a short message written by their teacher. The message is crafted to help students focus on the work they’ll do in school that day.
    4. Schedule:  Students review the schedule to set expectations for the day.
    5. Group Activity (if there is time): Everyone participates in a brief, lively activity that fosters group cohesion and helps students practice social and academic skills (for example, reciting a poem, dancing, singing, or playing a game that reinforces social or academic skills).

    Closing Meeting begins before we pack up for the day's end.  

    Closing meeting is a time to reflect on the school day.  
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  • Do you have holiday celebrations?

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    We do not celebrate religious holidays or Halloween, but we typically celebrate the 120th Day of School and Valentine's/Friendship Day.
     
     
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  • What is the red take home folder?

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    Your child will have a red plastic take home folder provided by the school.  Students are expected to bring the take home folder to and from school every day.  The folder is a tool for communication between school and home.  It will include information to keep at home and return to school (homework, forms, etc.).  Please go through this folder with your student every day.  This is a great way to have your child tell you about his or her school day!
     
     
     
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  • What is the book bag?

    Posted by:

    It is not yet known if students will have take home book bags in 2020-21, due to COVID-19.  More information will be posted as I learn more.

    2019-20:

    Starting in October, students will bring a cloth book bag containing a book they select from our classroom library in a book bag.  Your child is expected to read and bring his or her book bag/book to and from school daily. 
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  • How may I monitor my child's progress?

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    SeeSaw is a wonderful way to monitor your student's progress.
     
    You will sometimes see a number written or circled on some of the work your child brings home.  This number will help you monitor your child's progress even before conferences or progress reports.  Keep in mind that not all papers will have a number.  The numbers are the same as what you will find on progress reports.
     
    1 = Below district grade level benchmark
    2 = Approaching district grade level benchmark
    3 = Meets district grade level benchmark
    4 = Exceeds district grade level benchmark
     
    Students are striving for a 3. 
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  • What are your behavior expectations and educational philosophy?

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    At Monroe Elementary, our goal is to ensure success for all students.  We set high, yet attainable expectations for students, ourselves, and our teams.  At Monroe Elementary we are:
     
    *Responsible
    *Respectful
    *Safe
     
    Students who demonstrate responsibility, respect, and safety may receive a "ticket" to put in a weekly classroom drawing.  "Prizes" include lunch in the classroom with the teacher, a brag tag, a sandwich certificate to Subway, etc.
     
     
     
    At Monroe, staff and students use a growth mindset.  When we have a growth mindset we believe that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This mindset "creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment" (Dweck).
     
    As a teacher committed to establishing a kind and caring classroom, I will teach your child how to get along with others: what it takes in the way of cooperation and respect and what it returns in the way of dignity, equality, and self-esteem.  During the first weeks of school we will spend time getting acquainted, establishing and building our classroom community, establishing expectations and rules, and practicing routines and safety measures.  We will come together as a team to make a classroom pledge.  A child's family is an important resource in promoting our respectful classroom and ensuring the success of your child.  Family involvement sends a message that knowing how to get along with others is important.
     
     
    My educational philosophy:
    Elementary education is the foundation of educational and developmental disciplines.  As an elementary educator, my role is to guide students through the adventure of seeking, discovering, sharing, and create their own knowledge.  I believe in the success of all students and it is my endeavor to make a difference in the lives of all students.  
     
     
     
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  • What are the classroom rules?

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    Students create their own class rules each school year.  The 2020-21 rules will be developed during the first six weeks of the school year.

    2019-20 1M Rules:

    • Be respectful to everyone and everything.
    • Listen to and follow directions.
    • Be mindful of the future.
      • Try to do your best work
      • Make good choices
      • Be aware of the consequences of your actions
      • Be responsible for yourself
      • Be thoughtful and kind to others
    • Have fun and be a good sport.
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  • What is "Switching Gears"?

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    The "Switching Gears" Room is a place where student support staff are available to guide and encourage students to make positive behavior choices in every aspect of their school day.  It is also designed to provide a safe, nurturing, supportive environment for students to share their experiences, express their feelings, problem-solve, increase self-esteem, and learn new ways of coping with problems.

     

    This room and the support staff are also available when there are consequences for students.  Consequences are determined based on the severity of a student's inappropraite choice and/or behavior.  If a "Switching Gears" form is sent home, a parent/guardian should discuss, sign, and return the form to the "Switching Gears" Room the following day.

     

    The goal of "Switching Gears" is to support a safe, respectful, and fun school environment at Monroe while helping students to continuously develop their leadership capabilities.  

     

     
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  • What if my child is absent from school?

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    If your child is absent from school, we will all miss him or her!  Please call the office absence line (763-506-3606) and let them know about the absence.  If your child is absent for two or more days, please call the office and request homework.  
     
    If your student will be away for a vacation or extended period of time, please try to let me know in advance so I have time to prepare learning materials.
     
     
     
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  • May I volunteer?

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    It is not yet known if there will be in-school volunteer options in 2020-21 (as of August 2020).  Below is what the options were last school year...

    2019-20:

     
    Volunteers are welcome at Monroe! 
     
     Volunteers must fill out a volunteer application form and an online criminal history release form each new school year.  
     
    Directions for filling out the volunteer application form:
    1.  Visit ahschools.us/volunteer
    2.  Click on the link of the school where you want to volunteer
    3.  On the right side of the page, click "Fill in an application"
     
    After you create or update your volunteer application profile, you will submit your application.  Once your application is submitted, you will be prompted to complete a Criminal Record History Release (CRHR).  Once you have completed both the volunteer application and the CRHR, a volunteer services staff memember will send you an email letting you know your approval status.
     
    Donna Riberich is Monroe's Volunteer Services Coordinator.  Opportunities to volunteer include field trips, hanging student art work, workroom projects, Art Adventure, book fair, Fun and Fitness Day, PTO, Engineering Carnival, STEMpede, and more.  Donna can answer volunteering and volunteer application questions.  Her contact information is below:
     
    Donna Riberich
    763-506-3630
    donna.riberich@ahschools.us
     
    Also, the Monroe PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) provides an opportunity for you to be one of the decision-makers at Monroe.  The Monroe PTO meets on the first Monday of every month during the school year.  The meetings are at 6:30pm.  
     
     
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  • When is lunch?

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    It is not yet known when students will eat lunch in 2020-21.  It is known that students will be in the cafeteria, distanced per CDC guidelines.  More information will be posted as I learn more.

     

    2019-20:
     
    We eat lunch at 11:30.  If you would like to eat lunch with your student, check in at the main office to get a visitor badge and meet us in the cafeteria at 11:30. Eating with 100+ first graders is a memorable lunch experience!  Grandparents and other special family members/friends are welcome too.
     
    Cafeteria/Lunch items to note from the Parent Handbook:
    *Glass containers and soft drinks are not allowed in the lunch room.
    *If you visit school to eat lunch with your student, the school asks that you enjoy the school's hot lunch or bring bag lunches.  Please do not bring restaurant or fast food.
    *If your student has food allergies, please send submit a doctor's note to the office listing the specific allergies.
     
     
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  • When is recess?

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    It is not yet known when students will have outdoor recess in 2020-21, but they will have it and the playground will be cleaned nightly.

    2019-2020:
     
    First grade goes outside for recess every day from 12:00-12:30.  We stay inside if it is raining or the temperature is zero or below and/or the windchill is 10 degrees below zero.  
     
    It is very important that students always dress for the weather.  Students need to wear appropriate clothing (jackets, hats, gloves, boots, etc.) in cold weather.  Please send winter gear with your child every day during the winter.  If your child cannot fit everything in his or her backpack, consider placing boots and snow pants in a plastic bag.  They will be able to zip their backpack and carry the plastic bag as well.  If they try to carry their boots, chances are they will be left on the bus.  Please make sure each item of clothing is labeled with the first and last name of your child.
     
     
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  • May my student bring a water bottle?

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    Yes.  Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle (no glass, for safety) labeled with their name.  Water bottles must be used responsibly.  
     
     
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  • Do you have a "Star" or Student of the Week?

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    No.  We celebrate students and their accomplishments every day in our classroom, so we do not have a "star" or Student of the Week.
     
     
     
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