Welcome to E2G

August 19, 2009

Dear E2 Families,

                Yes, it’s that time of year again to start thinking about back to school and all of the excitement that comes with the first day. With the new group of fourth graders, I would expect many new friendships beginning to form, even amongst the fifth and sixth graders. I think I am just as nervous as the kids, but in definitely a good way.

However, unlike the children, I didn’t get much of a summer vacation. This summer, I took several courses at St. Catherine University to continue my quest of obtaining my Montessori credentials. I feel even better about the year, knowing that I will be able to challenge the students at their potential, even better than I was last year. I also hope that the kids enjoy the work that we will be getting to this year, though I know initially they’re likely to complain a bit.

I will continue with class one night a week during the school year. In addition, I will be completing my practicum this year as well, which shouldn’t impact the students. This will mean that I will be getting observed a minimum of 6 times throughout the year, so there will be guests in our classroom fairly frequently. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise for your child to say that there was a guest in our classroom.

At the beginning of the year I will be presenting the Great Lessons to all of the children. These start with the big bang theory and then proceed to the early life forms, early humans. These are taught using the scientific approach as ideas and theories in order to jump start our year in Geography, History, and Biology. I do not present these saying that religious beliefs are wrong, but that the ideas are there, along with the scientific evidence. Typically, the child will be able to begin his own understanding of where we came from and how we got to where we are today as a society. The children will also have a chance to hear the stories of math and language, which the children thoroughly enjoy. It also shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that your child is working on a project about something they were inspired by during these stories.

We will again be doing the healthy snack program in our classroom this year. This snack is created by the students, where they begin to learn some of the practical life skills that will carry with them throughout life. The healthy snack program costs $25/trimester not including the cost of the milk/juice option that is also available.  The idea behind this program is to give the children the means to prepare themselves a healthy snack during school, which transfers to the after school snack as well. We encourage the children to eat healthier snacks rather than choosing things that might not be so good for them.

                On that note, there are a couple of things that would make healthy snack even better. If you are a gardener and have produce coming out of your ears, consider donating to either of the E2 classrooms.  The kids especially enjoy vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, etc. However, they also are usually willing to try new veggies at school (even if they won’t at home). They also enjoy apples and making apple sauce, so if you have apple trees and apples that you need a home for, feel free to send them to school.

                Also for those of you that might have any of the following items that you no longer use at home, extras or happen to be out at garage sales, we would appreciate the donation. The list will be posted on the classroom blog, so if you would just note if you have something, that would be great. The website is http://newdiscoveries.org/gehrke .

• Griddle
• Crockpots
• Hard plastic, glass or ceramic
• o Plates
• o Bowls
• Hotplate
• Pots and pans
• Silverware
• Dish soap
• Potting soil
• Kleenex
• Disinfecting Wipes

In addition, in trying to keep the kids healthy, please donate Kleenex and antibacterial wipes so that we can keep our supply stocked.

Things to note before the first day of school:

• If you haven’t had a chance to fill out forms at the office, please do so ASAP. While doing that, stop in and say hi, if you would like.
• Come help install the new playground on Friday, August 28. We need as many volunteers as possible. This all day event will take place from 8am-8pm. Come for as much as you are able.
• Our annual open house and ice cream social will be held on Thursday, September 3^rd from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Come check out the classroom and the new playground.
• Stop in and say hi to NDMA staff at the McLeod County Fair.
• The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8. School starts at 9:00 AM.

If you have any questions, concerns, or just that you’d like to get future newsletters electronically, please contact me.

Jaclyn Gehrke

                Email: jaclyn.gehrke@newdiscoveries.org

Phone: (320) 234-6362 ext. 345