Soaring into a Great Year in

Mrs. Tolene’s Class!!

My home sweet

home is in Lincoln,

Alabama where I live

with my husband,

Michael, and our

dog, Daisy.

I graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2014 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and spending time outdoors. I

enjoy going to Mt. Cheaha , kayaking, or

swimming.

I taught at a Pre-School for 2 and a half years. In

college, I completed practicums in

Kindergarten, 1 st,

3 rd, and 5 th grade.I am excited to

working with you this year!

This is me in 3rd grade at Lincoln

Elementary School!

“Teach your students to use what talents they have; the woods would be silent if no bird sang except those that sing

best.”--Anonymous

I believe that my job as a teacher is to not only teach my students how to read, write, spell, add, subtract, and meet the standards that are required of them academically. . My job is also to guide them in building on their strengths so they can achieve their dreams, goals, and ambitions. This means encouraging them to try new things, do something that they never thought that they could, and watch them excel at the task or decide that maybe they should try something else instead.

I understand that no two children are the same and that no two children learn the same. In my classroom, I differentiate instruction, which means that I change my teaching style to meet the needs of your children. I will teach in a way that meets the needs of students who learn through seeing, through listening, and through doing.

Parents are an essential part of student achievement. I want to hear your comments, questions, and concerns. We are a family in this classroom, and you are a part of it.

You can expect me to… Treat your child fairly. Respect and love your child like my own. Teach the material in a way that meets your child’s

needs. Work with you for the good of your child. Communicate with you often. Keep your child safe from harm. Be professional at all times. Respect your rights and efforts as parents. Make school a pleasant experience. Always keep your child’s best interest in mind.

I would love if you…

I expect my students to…

Participated actively in your child’s education.

Helped with your child’s homework, nightly.

Responded promptly to phone calls, emails, and notes.

Talked with me about concerns and successes!

Volunteered in our classroom!

Arrive at school on time. Follow rules and

procedures.

Respect themselves, classmates, teacher, and property.

Always do their best work.

Take ownership of their actions. No excuses!

Classroom Procedures Children love knowing what is expected of them!

In my classroom, I have several procedures that students follow throughout the day.

We have a procedure for: Entering the classroom What to do once in the classroom Going to the restroom When a pencil breaks When work is finished early Asking a question When the teacher signals for students’ attention

These procedures allows the day to flow smoothly with little confusion or interruptions.

Leadership JobsChildren also love responsibility!

In my classroom, each student has a job, and it is their responsibility to make sure that job is finished each day. Students can also request to change jobs

or resign from their job with an understandable reason.

Caboose Line Leader

Trash Monitor

Messenger

Calendar HelperPet Helper

Table Washer

A Few of Our Jobs

Daily Schedule

7:25-8:30--------------Morning Work/Journal Writing/A.R.8:45-9:15--------------Phonics/Spelling/Grammar/Writing9:15-10:15--------------------------Whole Group Reading

10:15-11:15-------------Guided Reading/Literacy Stations11:20-11:45------------------------------------------Lunch12:00-1:00-------------------------------------------Math

1:00-1:30-------------------------Science/Social Studies1:30-1:40-------------------------------------------Snack1:45-2:15 ----------------------------------------------P.E.

2:15-2:40-------------Read Aloud/Review of Day/Pack UpSpecials--------Friday:  Art:  12:30-1:30    Music:  12:30-1:15

Rewards:Positive Behavior is Rewarded!

•Positive verbal praise or note to student

• Thumbs up and high fives

• Positive phone call or letter to parents

• Lunch with the teacher

• Special game time ( iPad or board game)

Each day, the students begin on GREEN.

First offense- Student receives a YELLOW card in their pocket; this is a warning. The student and I have a meeting to discuss why the rule was broken and what the student will do to correct it.

Second offense- Student receives an ORANGE card in their pocket. I choose whether the student has time-out, isolated snack, or isolated lunch. The student must fill out a STOP and THINK FORM that is sent home to be signed.

Third offense- Student receives a RED card. This results in the principal being notified of persistent disruptive behavior. A conference may be requested.

Classroom Rules:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.

2. Treat others the way you want to be treated. 3. Respect school and personal property. 4. Contribute positively to our classroom community. 5. Always try your best!

Consequences

STOP and THINK form to be filled out by student. (Stays in your child’s file at school.)

Broken Rule Notice from the teacher to be signed

by parent.

Communication is KeyCommunication between the family and teacher is so important. I want you to know what is going on in our classroom, and I want to know how your child is doing at home as well.

There are several ways for you to stay informed:

1. Daily Folder- This folder is to be carried home each day. Inside, you will find a daily conduct report, homework for the night, and any extra papers that need to be sent home. Please sign and return each day to let me know that you received the information. There is also a place for you to leave comments.

2. Newsletter- A newsletter will be sent home at the beginning of each month. This will include important events, birthdays, and what we will be learning each month.

3. Website- www.soaringinsecond.com is where you can also find information about what is going on in our class as well as view pictures and read my blog!

Homework“Practice makes perfect!”

Homework is required because the more students practice a skill, the closer they come to mastering that skill. This is true in all subject areas, but I emphasize the importance of homework in Reading and Math. I assign homework Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Homework assignments will be provided in the daily folder; the assignment should be completed and returned to school the next day.

A sample homework agenda is provided below.

Monday: Read weekly story in Storytown textbook. Complete math four square. Complete spelling word activity.

Tuesday: Complete math four square. Complete spelling word activity

Thursday: Math four square, review weekly story from Storytown textbook, and study for weekly tests.

Attendance PolicyThe Truancy Law for the State of Alabama is enforced.  (A copy of this policy appears in the Talladega County Board of Education Student Responsibilities and Privileges:  Code of Conduct and Attendance.)

Students should bring with them, when they return to school after an absence, a note from their parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence.  This note must be received at school within three school days.  Out of town trips must be approved through the principal in advance in order to receive excused absence.

All students who arrive after 7:50 must check in at the office for a tardy pass before going to class.  Contact will be made with parents of students who are habitually tardy.  Excessive or unexcused absences, tardies, and check-outs will be reported to the attendance supervisor.  Appointments with doctors, dentist, etc. should not ordinarily be made during school hours. 

Excuses should be sent to school in daily folder.

ConferencesI am always eager to speak with you. If you feel that there is problem that needs to be addressed, you may contact me through email at atolene@les.org or you can reach me by phone at 256-763-1234.

If you would like to arrange a conference to meet with me in person, you may let me know by email, phone, or note in the daily folder. Once I receive your request for conference, I will send home a Conference Notice and Questionnaire. This form lets me know of what your concerns are, and what you would like to discuss at the meeting. It also allows you to confirm the scheduled conference time.

I will also send out this form if I feel that there is a need for a conference. The same procedure should be followed in that instance.

I want to hear from you!

SAMPLE FORMS

AdditionalInformation

Snacks can be brought from home

or bought at school.

Snacks are $.50 each. The choices

are rice crispy treat, chips or granola bar.

(Write snack choice on envelope.)

Lunch is $2.25.This

includes an entrée, fruit,

vegetable and milk.

Medication forms must be filled out in

the office for student to receive

medication at school. The student should not have the

medication with them during the

day.

Birthday’s may be

celebrated at school.

You may bring a special snack to

share with the class!

Please send money to

school in an envelope

labeled with your child’s

name, what it is for, and amount.