first day

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first day
By maryellen

Don't be nervous, everyone else is in the same position! Surely they will have something concrete for you tomorrow. There will likely be some communications from the office for you to send home; fees list, perhaps insurance
info, bell times, maybe a school newsletter. I'd sort those into a pile for each student and attach their name before school starts so its ready to go. From you - I'd suggest a welcoming newsletter that contains a brief intro to you and your classroom, gym, library and music schedule, bell times, school phone number, policy re absences, lates, your themes or focus for this semester,

report card dates if you know them, agendas or homework files, homefolders, classroom rules (ie no gum, healthy snack, allowed waterbottles at desk) reminders about whatever (non marking gym shoes, kleenex box, etc). It would be very handy for you if this letter would also work for students who move in during the year. Run off some extra copies so when a new child arrives you have a copy for the parent right away. You might also have a first day craft or writing activity you want to send home at the end of the day. Have a clipboard in your hand with the class list so as students arrive you can take notes on how they are getting home, who & where they are meeting, what bus number etc, also perhaps there will be allergy info to record. Keep that clipboard by the door so you can remind them how they get home as they are leaving. Don't worry, if you forget anything it can go home the next day. Too much info can be overwhelming for the parents all at once.