October 24, 2011
Classroom Newsletter
Homework: It looks like most families prefer Monday through Friday homework packets. It will include spelling and some math. This week everyone will have the same homework packet. Next week I will send home a reading log for the month of November. Please try to read with your child 15-30 minutes a night.
Writing: We are starting a unit on personal narratives and working on brainstorming ideas to write about. We are also practicing stretching out our stories by adding details, descriptions, and dialogue.
Math: Please remind your child to practice their multiplication facts. We talked about making multiplication flash cards as well as playing the card game, multiplication war. We are working on our math fluency and math facts.
Events: Our Pumpkin Patch field trip is on Friday, October 28th from 9-2! Please make sure you have turned in a permission slip so that your child can come with us. The Harvest Party is on Monday, October 31st from 1-3. Volunteers are needed to help with the stations. Please contact the school and let them know you are interested in volunteering.
Donations: We are in need of games for our classroom during break time and indoor recess time. We are also looking for donations for the Harvest Party. Some of the items include: apples, frosting, cookie decorations, microwave popcorn, watercolor pencils, pumpkin decorating items, etc.
Volunteers: I am very excited about parents wanting to volunteer! I am not ready for volunteers yet, but would love to have you in the classroom.
Thank you for your support I really appreciate how welcoming BPA’s students, parents, and staff has been to me. It was a great first week! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact me at sbrahmer@bpacharter.org.
Thank you,
Mrs. Brahmer
October 17, 2011
Dear BPA parents,
My name is Shannon Brahmer and I will be teaching the third- fourth blend class this year. I am very excited about joining BPA’s staff and learning about the micro-society model. I have my BA in sociology from Oregon State University and my MAT in early childhood and elementary education from Pacific University. I am currently getting my ESOL endorsement at Western University. I have substitute taught grades K-6 and was a temporary, part-time, fourth grade teacher for Salem-Keizer school district last year. I live here in Salem with my husband, cat, and beagle puppy.
Attached is a little questionnaire for you to fill out about your child. Please return it to me by Friday, October 21. I am also curious on what your thoughts are on homework. I can send home nightly homework or have homework that is taken home Monday and due Friday. Reading and practicing math facts will be a nightly routine. Every now and then we will have projects that will need to be worked on over the weekend. I am going to be doing some basic skills testing this week in Math to see where your children are at. I am beginning with two digit addition and subtraction to make sure they remember regrouping. We will also be working on multiplication timed tests this year to master our multiplication facts 1-12.
I have created a class blog that will have assignments, newsletters and class updates. The URL is http://mrsbrahmersclassoom.blogspot.com. The best way to get a hold of me right now would be to come in to the class or call the school. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please let me know. I look forward to getting to know you and your child!
-Mrs. Brahmer
