Samantha Sutton

Communication and Collaboration

A. Family Communication 1. Introduction Letter The first form of communication I would use would be an introduction letter to the families of my students. This letter would be sent out at the beginning of the school year. The letter would allow parents and guardians to get to know a little about me and what I expect of their child. In the letter, I would include my name, educational history, and contact information. (Letter attached) 2. Monthly Newsletter The second form of communication I would use would be a monthly newsletter. The monthly newsletter would include the following information: upcoming units we will discuss in class, breakfast and lunch menu for the month, and anything that may be going on in the school such as a book fair, PTO, or science fair. 3. Daily Behavior/Coursework Report The third form of communication I would use would be a daily behavior and coursework report. The report would be given out at the beginning of each week. The report would have the weekly information that the parents would need to be aware of. For example, book fair, picture money, and lunch money would be necessary items for the report. Then, there would be a chart on the report for each day of the week. Each day would have the homework, special area, weekly items, behavior notes, and parent initial column listed. Every night the parents would look over the report and initial and send it back to school with their child. If there is an issue, the parent may write a note to the teacher and she will see it as she checks their report the next school day. (Document Attached) B. Communication/Collaboration with Colleagues 1. Collaborative Grade Level Planning At the beginning of each month, I would plan to have a grade level meeting with colleagues. During this meeting the planning for the month would be split between the teachers. For example, one teacher would plan the science unit, another would plan the math, and another colleague would plan the writing lessons. This would be a time for us to share teaching ideas with one another. 2. Communication with the Guidance Counselor Whenever there is a problem in my classroom whether it is academically, socially, or emotionally I will contact the guidance counselor. At the beginning of the

Samantha Sutton

school year I will ask the guidance counselor to assign peer groups for my students depending on their backgrounds from their student file. 3. Communication with the Nurse At the beginning of the school year I plan to e-mail the school nurse about coming and speaking to my students. I would ask the school nurse to come talk to my students about proper hand washing. I would ask if the nurse could actually come down to my classroom and show my students how to practice proper hand washing. I would explain to the students that the more they wash their hands, the more we would cut down on germs in the classroom. (E-mail attached)

Introduction Letter

January 2014

Dear Families, My name is Ms. Samantha Sutton and I will be with your childs first grade class for my clinical experience. I am currently a student at Lander University pursuing a degree in Early Childhood education. I am scheduled to graduate December 2014. I will be in the classroom working with Mrs. Tidwell every Tuesday and Thursday from January 28th until April. I am delighted to be a part of your childs classroom and learning experience! I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child in the upcoming weeks. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in the days ahead. Sincerely,

Ms. Sutton samantha.sutton@lander.edu

Samantha Sutton Name: Teacher: Ms. Sutton Date: March 10-14 Reminders: Book fair is this week! Parents may come shop with their child or you may send in money. Continue reading and listing books read on your March reading log. Picture money and proof is due next Friday, March 21st. We are once again in need of class snacks if you are able to help provide items (21 students). Thank you! Weekly words: day may put then there Word family: -en Homework: Special Area: This week: Behavior/Notes Parent initial/notes: Monday: Music Math: creating Reading: read & and manipulating spelling numbers by examining place value with tens and ones Tuesday: Library Sound Reading: read & study/grammar: spelling blending with ce Math: sheet (ice, ace, grace, space, spices) and adjectives (describing words) for color, shape, and size Wednesday: Computer Writing: poetry Reading: read & writing unit for spelling next few weeks Math: sheet Thursday: Art Social Sciences: Reading: read & For this nine spelling weeks, we will be Math: sheet covering information on identifying features of the day and night sky. This week we will be discussing moon & moon phases. Friday: PE-Wear tennis Lifeskills: shoes Responsibility- to respond when appropriate or be accountable for ones own behavior

Samantha Sutton

E-mail Communication with nurse To: nurse@schooldistrict.org From: Mssutton@lander.edu Date: March 5, 2014 Subject: Proper Hand Washing

Dear Nurse,

I want my students to understand how important proper hand washing is. I want to cut down on germs as much as I can in my classroom. It bothers me that sickness in the classroom can be avoided by something so simple. The problem is, some students truly have never been taught how to properly wash their hands. I would love for you to come to my classroom and show the children how to properly wash their hands. E-mail me with times and days that would best suit you and we will go from there.

Thanks, Ms. Sutton