Dear Parents,

          Welcome to another school year here at Chippewa.  I am very excited to be your child’s second grade teacher for 2008-09 school year.  I would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about my teaching philosophies and myself.  This will be my third year at Chippewa and within the Sachem School District.  However, I am entering my seventh year as a classroom teacher.  I have taught the upper grades for a number of years and feel that this experience has been invaluable.  My experience in the upper grades will not only assist me in facilitating the curriculum for this year but will also help me prepare your child for the next year.

I believe in establishing a classroom setting that fosters creativity, respect, pride, and a love for learning.  Within the classroom we work as a community to solve problems, help each other with learning, and make our environment a safe place for sharing ideas and asking questions.  In order to make our year successful, students are expected to come to school prepared and to follow the rules of the school and our classroom.  A copy of our rules, rewards, and consequences will be sent home during the first week of school for your review.  We will also have a chance to discuss our class behavior program during “Open School Night”.

As well as you, I also have high expectations for your child.  I will work to help your child meet these expectations by individualizing instruction, setting attainable goals, and utilizing positive reinforcement.  I truly believe that all children can learn and learn best through encouragement.  I have personally seen struggling students accomplish great things through hard work and an encouraging word.

          I look forward to working with you closely this year and meeting you during “Open School Night”.  Please know that I am here to assist and support you and your child in any way that I can.  We can accomplish great things by working together as a team.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or write me a note.  You may also e-mail me at rbrisson@sachem.edu.  I will respond as soon as possible.  Welcome to class-2-4 and to another great year here at Chippewa.

                                                          Warmest regards,

                                                           Mrs. Brisson

Additional Items for Back-To-School

1.  Earphone:  For hygiene reasons, you may want to send in a pair of earphones (headset) for your child.  The Dollar King store in the Sunvet Mall has them ($1.00 or $1.59).  I would recommend the larger, plastic pair over the metal pair. Although, it does not matter.  Please send them to school in zip-lock bag with your child’s name on the bag.  I do have headsets for the children to share.  This is optional.   (No Rush On This)

2.  Socks (Yes, I said socks. ha-ha):  Students will need one new pair of white cotton-like socks.  Again, the dollar stores are places to look for this item.  Students will use these socks as an eraser when working on their dry-erase boards.  I randomly distribute the socks to all students, so new socks are best. (Not Needed Immediately)

3.    Pencils and Colored-Pencils:  Please sharpen all requested pencils, as per the supply list, prior to the first day of school.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  It is a huge help. (Needed When Pencils Are Sent In)

4.    Coins:  Students will be working with money within the first several weeks of school.  I can supply children with plastic play money, however real money often helps bridge the gap between the concrete and abstract concepts of money.  Therefore, if possible, please supply the following change in a plastic zip-lock bag with your child’s name: 25 pennies, 15 nickels, 10 dimes, and 6 quarters.  All money that is not lost on the classroom floor will be returned in June.  We are usually pretty good at retuning at 99% of it!!!!!  (Not Needed Immediately)

5.  Me Bags:  During the first week of school, students will introduce themselves by using a”Me Bag” (a few students daily).  In a bag, please have your child place 4-6items that best describes them as a person.  Items can include a picture of the family, a baseball, ribbons, awards, favorite book, favorite hobby, etc.  Students should be able to explain why they placed these items in the bag.  Please label the bag with your child’s name.  A dark bag, such as a paper bag, works best.  All items will be returned within several days of sending them in.  (Please Send In During The  First Week Of School)