Klamath Room
Updated Sunday, August 8, 2010
Dear Families,
Welcome back to River! I am very excited to have your child as a student this year. We have a wonderful group and a classroom and school full of possibilities. I can hardly wait! This year, our classroom is named after the mighty Klamath River in Northern California.
This will be my eighth year teaching at a public Montessori school. My philosophy is that learning happens when students are comfortable, aware of each other and their environment, enthusiastic, and able to discover for themselves. My role is to facilitate this learning by helping to prepare the environment, both physically and emotionally.
To this end, I have created and reworked systems and guidelines for Klamath Room that you as well as your student will want to learn. Look at the website to learn all about what's happening this year so far. Go to rivermontessori.org, then click on Klamath. I have posted a typical schedule of the day, classroom policies, field trip information, a supplies list, and volunteer needs for the classroom for you to think about.
We will have an opportunity to go over the inner workings of the classroom at a Back-to-School Night in the next few weeks, which is still to be arranged. On this evening, hopefully all your questions can be answered.
Below are a few things to know for now:
We will begin each day with time for students to settle into the room, putting their things in order, as well as their thoughts and feelings. I will be available to them to talk and answer questions as necessary, but it is a quiet time, in general, to work, read, or write in a journal. Please save your own questions and visits until after school, leaving me an e-mail or message in the office so I can contact you.
During the day, students will have a three hour work period, during which I will give small group and individual lessons and support while the rest work independently. Because they work very intensely, students do not need to continue with heavy school work after hours. Homework is minimal. Relax!
Students need to eat often enough to keep their energy levels up. Please be sure your child eats before arriving and send a snack, separate from the rest of his or her lunch every day. Your child will choose when to eat the snack during our morning class time. We have a water fountain, but if your child prefers bottled water, he or she may have one with them in class. Be sure to label, even disposable bottles!
When your child brings in paper, pencils, and other supplies from the list posted on the website, please only label those specified. Most items will be shared. Students can put the supplies in the designated container in the classroom during the next few weeks. No hurry.
I look forward to seeing you all Monday, August 16.
Deanna Peake
Welcome back to River! I am very excited to have your child as a student this year. We have a wonderful group and a classroom and school full of possibilities. I can hardly wait! This year, our classroom is named after the mighty Klamath River in Northern California.
This will be my eighth year teaching at a public Montessori school. My philosophy is that learning happens when students are comfortable, aware of each other and their environment, enthusiastic, and able to discover for themselves. My role is to facilitate this learning by helping to prepare the environment, both physically and emotionally.
To this end, I have created and reworked systems and guidelines for Klamath Room that you as well as your student will want to learn. Look at the website to learn all about what's happening this year so far. Go to rivermontessori.org, then click on Klamath. I have posted a typical schedule of the day, classroom policies, field trip information, a supplies list, and volunteer needs for the classroom for you to think about.
We will have an opportunity to go over the inner workings of the classroom at a Back-to-School Night in the next few weeks, which is still to be arranged. On this evening, hopefully all your questions can be answered.
Below are a few things to know for now:
We will begin each day with time for students to settle into the room, putting their things in order, as well as their thoughts and feelings. I will be available to them to talk and answer questions as necessary, but it is a quiet time, in general, to work, read, or write in a journal. Please save your own questions and visits until after school, leaving me an e-mail or message in the office so I can contact you.
During the day, students will have a three hour work period, during which I will give small group and individual lessons and support while the rest work independently. Because they work very intensely, students do not need to continue with heavy school work after hours. Homework is minimal. Relax!
Students need to eat often enough to keep their energy levels up. Please be sure your child eats before arriving and send a snack, separate from the rest of his or her lunch every day. Your child will choose when to eat the snack during our morning class time. We have a water fountain, but if your child prefers bottled water, he or she may have one with them in class. Be sure to label, even disposable bottles!
When your child brings in paper, pencils, and other supplies from the list posted on the website, please only label those specified. Most items will be shared. Students can put the supplies in the designated container in the classroom during the next few weeks. No hurry.
I look forward to seeing you all Monday, August 16.
Deanna Peake
Classroom Supply List 2010-11 Klamath
Please bring the following items, which will be pooled together and used communally. Do NOT label these:
-1 box colored pencils
-1 dozen #2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand lasts well)
-1 box THIN colored markers
-2 large white sheets of poster board (not foam-backed; approx 28"x22")
-1 pkg wide-ruled notebook paper
-1 roll of clear tape (able to put in our dispenser)
-1 pkg large pink erasers
-1 box facial tissue
-1 pkg white, lined 3 x 5" index cards
Please bring the following items for your own use, labeled with your name:
-1 hand-powered pencil sharpener
-1 black/white composition book
-1 set of 8 dividers (for a binder)
If you can help by bringing any of the following for communal supplies, it would greatly help:
-band-aids
-dry-erase pens (thick or thin-both are needed; dark colors preferred)
-highlighters (pink, green, blue, yellow all needed)
-glue sticks
-watercolor sets (8 colors w/brush)
-copy paper (white or other color)
-extra pkgs wide-ruled notebook paper
-roll of paper towels
-non-toxic spray cleaner
-compasses (for drawing circles)
-protractors (for measuring angles)
Please bring the following items, which will be pooled together and used communally. Do NOT label these:
-1 box colored pencils
-1 dozen #2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand lasts well)
-1 box THIN colored markers
-2 large white sheets of poster board (not foam-backed; approx 28"x22")
-1 pkg wide-ruled notebook paper
-1 roll of clear tape (able to put in our dispenser)
-1 pkg large pink erasers
-1 box facial tissue
-1 pkg white, lined 3 x 5" index cards
Please bring the following items for your own use, labeled with your name:
-1 hand-powered pencil sharpener
-1 black/white composition book
-1 set of 8 dividers (for a binder)
If you can help by bringing any of the following for communal supplies, it would greatly help:
-band-aids
-dry-erase pens (thick or thin-both are needed; dark colors preferred)
-highlighters (pink, green, blue, yellow all needed)
-glue sticks
-watercolor sets (8 colors w/brush)
-copy paper (white or other color)
-extra pkgs wide-ruled notebook paper
-roll of paper towels
-non-toxic spray cleaner
-compasses (for drawing circles)
-protractors (for measuring angles)
Classroom Policies and Information Klamath 2010-11
Below is some important information which will help our year go smoothly. I hope you find it helpful. Thank you so much for all you've done, including waiting, to make our classroom so wonderful.
Snack: Students bring their own healthy snack. New: They will bring this ONE snack into the classroom BEFORE school starts. They will not be excused to get other food from their lunch boxes during work time. Anytime during our morning work period (except lessons), they can get their snack and eat it at their work space. Simple, neat snacks are appreciated.
Note about breakfast: Last year some students arrived w/o having eaten breakfast or just hungry in general and spent much work time focused on food. Please help your child understand the importance of fueling up BEFORE arriving at school to work.
Lunch: We will eat lunch at about 12pm in our outdoor cafeteria (weather, etc. permitting). Students will wash their hands before going out to eat. Students are asked to remain seated during the group eating time, observing common table manners. Any wrappers, etc. will be placed back in their lunchboxes to take home, but we will have composting available on campus.. Once again, healthy food is encouraged and we appreciate all the wonderful choices you sent last year.
PEANUT-FREE SCHOOL: One food that should never be brought to school is anything with peanuts, peanut butter, or peanut oil. We have students with severe allergies. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough!
Water Bottles: Students may bring a water bottle, labeled, containing water only, to have in the classroom at their work space.
Homework: Generally, little or no homework is assigned. The purpose of homework is to practice and review already-learned skills. Because of the individualized nature of the classroom, students work very intensely throughout the day on new concepts as well as practice. However, if students have not memorized necessary math facts, need practice to learn spelling rules, or have other practice work to do, they will be asked to spend time at home on these things.
All students must read at least 20 minutes per school night (100 minutes per week). This time is for reading of their own choice as well as the assigned genre for the month. They will be given genres to choose from and are expected to report on a book from the genre in class at the end of the month. The report aspect will be done in class.
Also, at times there will be special projects assigned. The first is a Historical Halloween report in October, when students research a person of historical significance and of course dress-up as that person to present a report and perhaps have a parade on October 31. A separate paper will give details. Beginning in January, students will be working on state reports, and a final research report on a subject of their choice will be due in May. More information will be given as the time approaches.
Playing math games-- to practice math facts, recognize place value, guess the digit, do mental math, estimate, and apply to real-life, is suggested. This keeps students thinking mathematically throughout their day.
Incomplete Work: If a student consistently uses work time for things other than work, it may become necessary to send home incomplete assignments.
Birthdays: As your child's birthday approaches, s/he has the opportunity to be celebrated in the classroom. Please let me know several days prior so I can schedule appropriately. On that day, you may send a PEANUT-FREE, low-sugar treat, along with napkins for serving, for the class to share. There are 21 students. The birthday celebration is brief, but special, and usually we do it in the afternoon before dismissal.
Field Trips: Parents who can drive on our field trips are so appreciated! Bus expenses are high, so we'll depend on you to make this happen. The school office has procedures to follow including getting copies of driver's license and insurance, fingerprinting, TB test, and car checks. Please complete these requirements ASAP if you are interested in driving AND/OR chaperoning on field trips. As trips come up, drivers will be given as much notice as possible. Though all field trip drivers may not be available (or needed) for each trip, it's helpful for them to be as consistent and reliable as possible.
Of course, all parents will sign a permission slip for each trip, and no student may attend without one. If there is a fee, money will be collected individually for each trip. No student will miss a trip because of inability to pay fees, so see me if cost is an issue. We try to keep fees minimal.
Some field trips have already been scheduled. Others are to be arranged as interest arises and opportunities come up. I will try to find that balance of needing a schedule and accommodating new ideas. So far:
August 31, Tuesday: Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) in Petaluma
(Walking trip-chaperones only/driving not necessary)
September, TBA: PRBO field observations in Petaluma
(Walking-chaperones only)
October 7, Thursday: Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley
November 19, Friday: Olompali State Park near Novato
January 21-22, Friday-Saturday : Age of Sail Overnight Program in SF
February, TBA: Capitol Building and Railroad Museum in Sacramento
March, TBA: Steelhead in the Classroom Fish release nearHealdsburg
May, TBA: Upper Elementary overnight camping trip?
Other trips being considered include Wells Fargo Center for the Arts performances, a Jack London historical site tour, the Westminster Woods camp program, and local business/historical tours. A watershed restoration project as community service is a possibility. Also this year, I would like students to organize their own going out in order to pursue their interests. This is an important part of the Montessori upper el. curriculum.
Daily Schedule: See attached. We try to keep a regular routine of uninterrupted work time in the mornings for students to follow their interests and develop concentration. Afternoons provide opportunities for cultural lessons, art, science, and other open-ended projects. We will keep you informed as P.E., music, or other activities are scheduled.
Communication: Thank you for holding your questions and concerns until the end of the school day. The classroom runs very smoothly if I am available to greet and direct students first thing, without having to share my attention.
Notes are wonderful. Send them with your student. I will try to send a response so you know I've received them.
E-mail is wonderful. Please continue to use teachdearly@yahoo.com or dpeake@rivermontessori.org, if you prefer. My plan is to check and respond to e-mail each morning before 6:30am during the school week.
If you'd like to meet in person, please feel free to request a time. That way I know I can give my full attention to your concerns.
Scheduled conferences are set for September 15-19 in the afternoons.
Please check the web site for information about our classroom. I will update it at least once a month. If any updates are made, you will receive an e-mail so you'll know to check it. I hope to save paper and communicate better by utilizing the web site and e-mail this year.
Welcome All!
Deanna Peake
Below is some important information which will help our year go smoothly. I hope you find it helpful. Thank you so much for all you've done, including waiting, to make our classroom so wonderful.
Snack: Students bring their own healthy snack. New: They will bring this ONE snack into the classroom BEFORE school starts. They will not be excused to get other food from their lunch boxes during work time. Anytime during our morning work period (except lessons), they can get their snack and eat it at their work space. Simple, neat snacks are appreciated.
Note about breakfast: Last year some students arrived w/o having eaten breakfast or just hungry in general and spent much work time focused on food. Please help your child understand the importance of fueling up BEFORE arriving at school to work.
Lunch: We will eat lunch at about 12pm in our outdoor cafeteria (weather, etc. permitting). Students will wash their hands before going out to eat. Students are asked to remain seated during the group eating time, observing common table manners. Any wrappers, etc. will be placed back in their lunchboxes to take home, but we will have composting available on campus.. Once again, healthy food is encouraged and we appreciate all the wonderful choices you sent last year.
PEANUT-FREE SCHOOL: One food that should never be brought to school is anything with peanuts, peanut butter, or peanut oil. We have students with severe allergies. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough!
Water Bottles: Students may bring a water bottle, labeled, containing water only, to have in the classroom at their work space.
Homework: Generally, little or no homework is assigned. The purpose of homework is to practice and review already-learned skills. Because of the individualized nature of the classroom, students work very intensely throughout the day on new concepts as well as practice. However, if students have not memorized necessary math facts, need practice to learn spelling rules, or have other practice work to do, they will be asked to spend time at home on these things.
All students must read at least 20 minutes per school night (100 minutes per week). This time is for reading of their own choice as well as the assigned genre for the month. They will be given genres to choose from and are expected to report on a book from the genre in class at the end of the month. The report aspect will be done in class.
Also, at times there will be special projects assigned. The first is a Historical Halloween report in October, when students research a person of historical significance and of course dress-up as that person to present a report and perhaps have a parade on October 31. A separate paper will give details. Beginning in January, students will be working on state reports, and a final research report on a subject of their choice will be due in May. More information will be given as the time approaches.
Playing math games-- to practice math facts, recognize place value, guess the digit, do mental math, estimate, and apply to real-life, is suggested. This keeps students thinking mathematically throughout their day.
Incomplete Work: If a student consistently uses work time for things other than work, it may become necessary to send home incomplete assignments.
Birthdays: As your child's birthday approaches, s/he has the opportunity to be celebrated in the classroom. Please let me know several days prior so I can schedule appropriately. On that day, you may send a PEANUT-FREE, low-sugar treat, along with napkins for serving, for the class to share. There are 21 students. The birthday celebration is brief, but special, and usually we do it in the afternoon before dismissal.
Field Trips: Parents who can drive on our field trips are so appreciated! Bus expenses are high, so we'll depend on you to make this happen. The school office has procedures to follow including getting copies of driver's license and insurance, fingerprinting, TB test, and car checks. Please complete these requirements ASAP if you are interested in driving AND/OR chaperoning on field trips. As trips come up, drivers will be given as much notice as possible. Though all field trip drivers may not be available (or needed) for each trip, it's helpful for them to be as consistent and reliable as possible.
Of course, all parents will sign a permission slip for each trip, and no student may attend without one. If there is a fee, money will be collected individually for each trip. No student will miss a trip because of inability to pay fees, so see me if cost is an issue. We try to keep fees minimal.
Some field trips have already been scheduled. Others are to be arranged as interest arises and opportunities come up. I will try to find that balance of needing a schedule and accommodating new ideas. So far:
August 31, Tuesday: Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) in Petaluma
(Walking trip-chaperones only/driving not necessary)
September, TBA: PRBO field observations in Petaluma
(Walking-chaperones only)
October 7, Thursday: Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley
November 19, Friday: Olompali State Park near Novato
January 21-22, Friday-Saturday : Age of Sail Overnight Program in SF
February, TBA: Capitol Building and Railroad Museum in Sacramento
March, TBA: Steelhead in the Classroom Fish release nearHealdsburg
May, TBA: Upper Elementary overnight camping trip?
Other trips being considered include Wells Fargo Center for the Arts performances, a Jack London historical site tour, the Westminster Woods camp program, and local business/historical tours. A watershed restoration project as community service is a possibility. Also this year, I would like students to organize their own going out in order to pursue their interests. This is an important part of the Montessori upper el. curriculum.
Daily Schedule: See attached. We try to keep a regular routine of uninterrupted work time in the mornings for students to follow their interests and develop concentration. Afternoons provide opportunities for cultural lessons, art, science, and other open-ended projects. We will keep you informed as P.E., music, or other activities are scheduled.
Communication: Thank you for holding your questions and concerns until the end of the school day. The classroom runs very smoothly if I am available to greet and direct students first thing, without having to share my attention.
Notes are wonderful. Send them with your student. I will try to send a response so you know I've received them.
E-mail is wonderful. Please continue to use teachdearly@yahoo.com or dpeake@rivermontessori.org, if you prefer. My plan is to check and respond to e-mail each morning before 6:30am during the school week.
If you'd like to meet in person, please feel free to request a time. That way I know I can give my full attention to your concerns.
Scheduled conferences are set for September 15-19 in the afternoons.
Please check the web site for information about our classroom. I will update it at least once a month. If any updates are made, you will receive an e-mail so you'll know to check it. I hope to save paper and communicate better by utilizing the web site and e-mail this year.
Welcome All!
Deanna Peake
Typical Daily Schedule
8:00am Students arrive, put away belongings in cubby, bring snack/water bottle to class, begin work. QUIET in classroom.
8:15am Work time begins; conference with teacher (once/week)
(9:00 math lessons; 10:00 language lessons)
11:15am Clean-up
11:30am Community Meeting
12:00pm Recess/Lunch
1:00pm Literature Circles/SSR (FRI: Dismissal)
1:30pm Cultural Lessons: PE, yoga, art, writer's workshop, science, history, geography, etc.
2:30pm Clean-up
2:45pm Announcements/Read-aloud
3:00pm Dismissal
8:00am Students arrive, put away belongings in cubby, bring snack/water bottle to class, begin work. QUIET in classroom.
8:15am Work time begins; conference with teacher (once/week)
(9:00 math lessons; 10:00 language lessons)
11:15am Clean-up
11:30am Community Meeting
12:00pm Recess/Lunch
1:00pm Literature Circles/SSR (FRI: Dismissal)
1:30pm Cultural Lessons: PE, yoga, art, writer's workshop, science, history, geography, etc.
2:30pm Clean-up
2:45pm Announcements/Read-aloud
3:00pm Dismissal
Parent Volunteer Needs for Klamath Room 2010-11
Each job is done for half of the year, September through January, or February through June. Field trip drivers are full-year, but maybe not every trip.
If you are interested in helping with any of these jobs, look for the sign-up sheet at Back-to-School Night or e-mail Deanna if you cannot attend.
1____________________ 2__________________Zoologist: Purchases and delivers live crickets to classroom once a week (to feed gecko). Purchases and delivers other supplies as needed. Save receipts; will be reimbursed. Set your own schedule. Must be consistent.
1____________________ 2__________________Friday In-class Assistant: Records spelling test scores and student work from the week in teacher record book. Some filing, etc. Must be fingerprinted, etc.; see school office. Can job-share with another for every other Friday. Fridays 8:15-11:30 or 12pm.
1____________________ 2__________________Scholastic Book Representative: Sorts book order forms to distribute to students every 6 weeks or so. Collects incoming orders with money, submits to Scholastic for processing, checks/sorts order on arrival. Keeps track of "points" available to use toward free items for classroom such as books, teacher resources, electronics, even refrigerators!
1____________________ 2___________________Launderer: Brings home rugs every other week and rags/towels/sponges every week as necessary to wash. Pick up Friday afternoon, return laundry Monday morning.
1____________________ 2___________________Housekeeper: Cleans the classroom after the children clean the classroom. Windows, dusting shelves/window sills, vacuuming corners and behind shelves, removing cob webs, etc. Once every two weeks. Make your own schedule.
1____________________ 2___________________Special Event Coordinator: Helps plan and call volunteers for special occasions. Purchases necessary food and/or other items. Helps with preparation, set-up and clean-up the day of the event as needed OR delegates duties to others. (Events MAY include such activities as Day of the Dead Sugar Skull making, Thanksgiving feast, Winter Solstice Festivities , Valentine's Day Crafts/Activities, Earth Day Fair, etc.) Maybe two events will be planned for this year.
1____________________ 2___________________On-call Materials Assistant: Picks up work from teacher to be done at home or at an office, including cutting, copying, labeling, sorting, stapling, and who-knows-what. No special skills needed. Both large and small projects (overnight) may come up. To be done as needed, but you can pass on any particular job, as there will be a number of people on call.
1_____________________ 2__________________ 3_______________4__________________ 5_____________________ 6__________________ 7_______________ 8__________________ 9_____________________ 10__________________ Field Trip Drivers/Chaperones: Must get fingerprinted, TB test, car check, correct insurance, and have license copied. Drives children, stays for trip and supervises children as specified. Plan on entire day of field trip. See dates scheduled so far. May be asked to go on more short-notice trips.
Each job is done for half of the year, September through January, or February through June. Field trip drivers are full-year, but maybe not every trip.
If you are interested in helping with any of these jobs, look for the sign-up sheet at Back-to-School Night or e-mail Deanna if you cannot attend.
1____________________ 2__________________Zoologist: Purchases and delivers live crickets to classroom once a week (to feed gecko). Purchases and delivers other supplies as needed. Save receipts; will be reimbursed. Set your own schedule. Must be consistent.
1____________________ 2__________________Friday In-class Assistant: Records spelling test scores and student work from the week in teacher record book. Some filing, etc. Must be fingerprinted, etc.; see school office. Can job-share with another for every other Friday. Fridays 8:15-11:30 or 12pm.
1____________________ 2__________________Scholastic Book Representative: Sorts book order forms to distribute to students every 6 weeks or so. Collects incoming orders with money, submits to Scholastic for processing, checks/sorts order on arrival. Keeps track of "points" available to use toward free items for classroom such as books, teacher resources, electronics, even refrigerators!
1____________________ 2___________________Launderer: Brings home rugs every other week and rags/towels/sponges every week as necessary to wash. Pick up Friday afternoon, return laundry Monday morning.
1____________________ 2___________________Housekeeper: Cleans the classroom after the children clean the classroom. Windows, dusting shelves/window sills, vacuuming corners and behind shelves, removing cob webs, etc. Once every two weeks. Make your own schedule.
1____________________ 2___________________Special Event Coordinator: Helps plan and call volunteers for special occasions. Purchases necessary food and/or other items. Helps with preparation, set-up and clean-up the day of the event as needed OR delegates duties to others. (Events MAY include such activities as Day of the Dead Sugar Skull making, Thanksgiving feast, Winter Solstice Festivities , Valentine's Day Crafts/Activities, Earth Day Fair, etc.) Maybe two events will be planned for this year.
1____________________ 2___________________On-call Materials Assistant: Picks up work from teacher to be done at home or at an office, including cutting, copying, labeling, sorting, stapling, and who-knows-what. No special skills needed. Both large and small projects (overnight) may come up. To be done as needed, but you can pass on any particular job, as there will be a number of people on call.
1_____________________ 2__________________ 3_______________4__________________ 5_____________________ 6__________________ 7_______________ 8__________________ 9_____________________ 10__________________ Field Trip Drivers/Chaperones: Must get fingerprinted, TB test, car check, correct insurance, and have license copied. Drives children, stays for trip and supervises children as specified. Plan on entire day of field trip. See dates scheduled so far. May be asked to go on more short-notice trips.