Gikeno's 1st-2nd Grade Class

Welcome to Gikeno's

2018-19 1st/2nd Grade Class!

July 2018

Dear Families,

I hope that you are having a fun and relaxing summer. I am writing from Kenya, my native country, where I am spending time with my family and seeing some of this beautiful country. It’s a little cooler than I would like it to be but that is normal for this time of year.

I am really looking forward to meeting new students and their families as well as welcoming back the 2nd grade families.

This year our core curriculum will focus on the New York waterways. We are very fortunate to live in New York City, a port city with a long history connected to the water. If you travel in and around NYC this summer, take a look at the waterways. What do you notice? Where does the water start and end? How does the community take care of the waterways? Are there any animals living in and around the water? Take pictures of what you see to share with our community. Please also remember to take many pictures and to save mementos of some of your summer activities such as ticket stubs, artifacts that you’ll collect on hikes, walks, beaches, etc; they will serve as important props for our beginning of year community share. Pictures can be emailed to me or printed and brought in at the beginning of the school year.

I look forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting new ones in the fall! One of the most important and enjoyable parts of teaching is getting to know each one of you. To get some early insights and hear some of your hopes for the upcoming year, I am requesting that parents fill out the attached questionnaire.

I have also enclosed a list of supplies that the children will use this year. As the class will share all supplies, (with the exception of the homework folder), please do not put your child’s name on the items.

Please also remember to pack a change of clothes for your child in a labeled zip-lock bag. It’s also helpful to label your child’s outerwear so that misplaced items may be easily returned.

Again, I am very much looking forward to meeting you. Have a wonderful summer and see you in September!

Best regards, Gikeno Maina

.CLASSROOM SUPPLY LIST

• • 9 x 12 2- pocket folder (This is for homework and the plastic ones last longest)

  • 3 (9 x 12) 2-pocket folders – Staples usually sells them very cheaply just before school begins.

  • Glue sticks

  • A box of washable markers

  • scotch tape

  • 2 boxes of tissues

  • 1 box of #2 pencils (more would be highly appreciated)

  • 1 roll of paper towels

  • 1 bottle of sanitizer

ADDITIONAL ITEMS (Please bring one item from the list below)

• • One gallon sized Zip-lock bags

  • Small sandwich sized Zip-lock bags

  • A ream of copier paper.

  • A box of colored pencils.

  • A box of crayons

Emmy, our Science Teacher is requesting a box of skinny markers and a roll of paper towels.

.FAMILY QUESTIONNAIRE

Child’s name: _____________________________________

Birthday:__________________

Parent’s or guardian’s name;____________________________

What are your child’s strengths (academic, and/or social)?

_____________________________________________________________

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What areas provide particular challenges?

____________________________________________________________

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What are some activities that your child particularly enjoys in or outside of school?

_____________________________________________________________

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What goals do you have for your child this year?

_____________________________________________________________

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Does your child have any allergies/health issues that might affect his/her school day?

_____________________________________________________________

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Is there anything else you’d like to tell me about your child?

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