Poe's Place

2011-12-02T15:04:00.000-05:00

December 2011
Dear Parents,
The year is almost over! It’s hard to believe and realize that the 2012 year will go by even quicker!
Thank you for being patient with all the many schedule changes. I’m still checking daily to make sure that I am at the right place at the right time. We should begin the New Year with a stable schedule.
Please refer to Mrs. Nardulli’s calendar.
Next week we will be learning and reviewing for our testing that will take place December 14 and 15.
It will be an accumulation of all facts and information learned since August. The best way to prepare for it is to get plenty of sleep, a good breakfast, and study BASIC FACTS NOW!
If you have put away the flash cards thinking that they were mastered in first grade, bring them back out and practice! Math is like a foreign language, you forget it if you don’t use it.
AR goals need to be met. Please give your child a personal goal of completing their goal before the last week of school! Those four days are filled with unexpected barriers. Students should understand that any AR book they read should take less than a week. Most students can read a book each night and take a test in the morning.
Response to Literature projects are due December 15. Please write the response in published form. It does not need to be typed. It does need to meet ideas, organizational and convention skills. A rubric was attached to the recent Charlotte’s Web response. Please let me know if you need another rubric.
Many thanks to all of the help I’ve received in the classroom. There are so many obligations to insure your child’s success, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Daws, Mrs. Materan, Mrs. Mudgett, Mrs. Nardulli, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, and Mrs. Rousell help on a weekly basis. Please forgive me if I have left off your name in error.
Once again, please call me if there are any questions. I know that all parents are helping at home with your child’s learning because of the great success they are achieving.

Julie Poe

2011-09-01T15:41:00.002-05:00

The past three weeks have been full of learning and getting to know eachother. I love the way the students respond to writing in their agendas. After Labor Day, the students will complete their agendas with upcoming important dates.
I hope everyone received thier September rotation calendar.
I especially look forward to Open House on September 13.
Thank you for sharing your children with me. I look forward to work everyday. Have a safe and restful "Labor Day".

2011-07-31T13:22:00.001-05:00

Dear Parents,
Welcome to second grade! We are excited to be working with your children this year. We know it will be successful. The following is a list of general information regarding Ford policies and our classrooms:
SCHOOL HOURS: 7:50 – 2:15p.m.
TRANSPORTATION: For the safety of your children, changes in transportation must be in writing. Please put a note in the daily homework folder and remind your child in the morning of the transportation change.
HOMEWORK: Your children will be given homework Monday – Thursday every week. Please make sure you go over and check all homework before sending it back to school. By initialing or signing the agenda daily, you are confirming you’ve checked over and corrected homework, if needed. All homework questions will be answered during morning procedures.
ABSENCES/MAKE-UP WORK: If your child is absent for two or more days due to an excused absence, please call your teacher’s personal phone number to request work. If your child has an unexcused absence, make-up work will be given when he/she returns to school.
BIRTHDAYS: You may send in cupcakes, cookies, or pre-cut servings of cake or other treats to celebrate your child’s birthday. Please do not send in drinks or party favors.
LABELING: Please write your child’s name on his/her backpack, lunch box, folders, school box, and any other school supplies brought to school.
SNACK: The children will have a daily snack. Please send in a nutritious snack with your child every day. Water bottles are permitted. Please do not send in other drinks.
LUNCH: Student lunches are $1.65. Milk is $0.50. Breakfast is $1.00. Adult lunches are $2.75.
VISITORS: All visitors, including parent volunteers must sign in at the computer located outside the main office. Visitors must obtain a name tag before entering hallways. This is for the safety of the children.
PTSA: At Ford, we are very fortunate to have a wonderful, supportive PTSA. Both parents and children are encouraged to join PTSA. Membership fees are $6.00 per person. PLEASE support our PTSA!
The FORD PTSA handbook has important information for you to read and is available online at Ford’s homepage.
Your child will be bringing home a Cobb County folder. Please make sure you read through it, sign, and return the sheet stating you have received and read the information in the folder.
Having your support is very important. If we work together as a team, we can provide your child many opportunities to learn and succeed. If you ever have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher via e-mail, note, or phone call. Julie.poe@cobbk12.org
Sincerely,
Second Grade Teachers

2011-07-06T19:42:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I have been working in the classroom and getting it ready for my Second Graders!

This is a notice from the Science Lab. I wanted to pass it along to you.

As you prepare your beginning of the school year information, would you please pass along the following to your students and their parents.

All students will need a plastic folder with prongs, any color. Students should bring these each time they come to science lab.
On Science Lab days, students should wear tennis shoes.

The following Science Lab supplies were mistakenly omitted from the supply list-

Kindergarten- 1 roll of paper towels
1st grade- 1 package clorox wipes
2nd grade- 1 package disposable cups, any size
3rd grade-1 dozen pencils with latex-free erasers
4th grade-(girls) 2 large glue sticks, (boys) 1 package wide-ruled notebook paper
5th grade- 2 size D batteries

Thank you so kindly!
Colleen Cauffiel

2011-03-04T15:06:00.001-05:00

Dear Parents,
The time is quickly approaching for reporting 3rd quarter grades. This week we will be taking assessments to insure that all students have mastered their third quarter standards.
As always, the student s give me their best daily. Also, through guided reading and guided math lessons we are able to check on understanding of concepts before we move on to new concepts.
Here are a few reminders that students can work towards:
o Add and Subtract Math facts to 18 for mastery I’m looking for 30 problems in 3 minutes.
 Blake Daws has already mastered the 100 problems in 5 minutes.
o Money and Coins including bills to $20.00. Key words to remember “Fair Trade”.
o Clock time – hour and ½ hour.
o Geometric Shapes, identified by how many sides and what shape is made on the flat side.
o Write a “Homerun Sentence” This includes the who, what, where, and why that you are expressing.
o Spelling Words:
This includes days of the week, months of the year, color words, number words, and digit words 0 though 10.
Monday you will receive the information for our zoo field trip on Wednesday, March 23. Please return it to me as soon as possible.

2011-02-02T12:17:00.001-05:00

February 2, 2011
Dear Parents,
The New Year is quickly turning into another year. I feel as if I haven’t spent enough time with the children. Everyone should mark their calendars for the “Snow Make-up Days”. Today is one of those make-up days and March 18 is scheduled as a student school day as well.
Our Winter Break, Feb. 21 – Feb. 25. and Spring Break, April 4, - April 8, remain in place.
Thursday, 2-3-2011, I am sending home a packet for the students to complete at home. This is OPTIONAL! However, I will reward the students that complete the project with a score of 70 or more using the provided rubric.

Please wear red on the 4th for the HEART!

Class picture will be taken Tuesday, Feb. 8th. Bring your best smile. This is for the yearbook!

Don’t forget the Valentine Dance on Feb. 11, 6:00 – 8:00. FREE! FUN!!

Valentine cards can be exchanged in class, Monday, Feb. 14. I will send home a class list. Please include all students if you decide to participate. Students will exchange cards in the morning before students leave for Mrs. Kennedy.

We have a KSU student assigned to our classroom through April 29. She will visit our classroom once a week. Mrs. White has her undergraduate degree in counseling and would like to follow her love and passion with children through teaching. I am looking forward to working with her.
There is no way I can possibly thank Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Kardulli, Mrs. Grant, and Mrs. Richa for all of the help they provide. I love to teach! These wonderful parents come in and do the time consuming duties. They make my job wonderful! Another huge shout out to Mrs. Shepherd and the dedicated parents that come in and read to the students. Your children are so proud of the time you give them in the classroom. Also, Ms. Me Me, Annie’s grandmother, for making the jackets for the chairs. This helps so much with keeping the students organized.
What: Mad Science Night
When: Tuesday, February 8th - 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Ford Elementary School
Why attend?
1. The evening will be educational, fun and hands-on
2. Get more details how to participate in the upcoming Science Fair (award winners will be announced at Curriculum Night in March!)
3. Learn how Ford's focus on science has impacted test scores
4. Find out how you can support science and technology at Ford Elementary
5. Mrs. Poe will give a prize to every student that attends and participates with 3 events!!

Cobb Commissioner Helen Goreham and Lynnda Crowder-Eagle, our school board member, have scheduled a Town Hall Meeting together for Thursday, February 10, 7:00 pm, West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway. Everyone in the Ford community is invited to attend.

Mrs. Poe’s Math Challenge:
I will give any child in my class a reward to Bruster’s Ice Cream when they can correctly answer 100 mixed addition and subtraction problems within 5 minutes. .
Flash cards, daily drills, and using the programs on my blog may provide the help that is needed. If you have any questions on ways to help your child achieve this, please contact me. 770-330-6033

2011-01-03T14:00:00.002-05:00

2011
Welcome back!
I have missed all of my sweet children and fabulous parents.
Please be prepared to begin the New Year with that great "Can Do" attitude.
Being prepared with the right supplies will enable your child to feel more comfortable. Yes, please relocate those blue and red folders.

A new reading log will be sent home on Tuesday. FYI, 10 minutes for each grade level. The 15 minute suggested time is for students reading on a 1.5 reading level. If your child is reading on a 2.5 grade level, they should be reading 25 minutes daily.
Writing journals will improve their writing skills and basic math facts can be sharpened by playing games with cards, puzzles, and board games. Computer driven games have a place in learning for quickness, however, board games, puzzles, and cards improve their logic and reasoning skills.

Mrs. Millican and Mrs. Kennedy would like to invite newly qualified Target students to attend an orientation, Thursday, January 6th, 2011 beginning at 6:30PM in the Media Center.
Students should also be prepared for Monday's first class with the following:
• 2 pocket folder with prongs
• Some notebook paper
• Pen – any color but black
• Sharpened pencils with good erasers
• Lunch or lunch money
• A nutritious snack (optional)

There are no assigned spelling words this week. We will review all previously learned words.
Report Cards will be distributed on Friday, January 7, 2010.

2010-10-29T12:41:00.000-05:00

Oct. 29, 2010
News and Study Guide
Important Dates for next week:
Monday: PJ Day Wear your athletic shoes for Music. But, bring your slippers for class.
Tuesday: Student Holiday
Don’t forget to VOTE
Wednesday: Scholastic Book Orders Due
Thursday: Run for our BoosterRun
Lunch @ 9:38
Run @ 12:30 – 1:45

Thank you for the many contributions towards the Booster Run. The money provides many hands-on opportunities for the children. The students have also experienced team work and learning character traits.
Please check my Blog for websites that are helpful for improving your child’s, reading, writing, spelling, and math skills. The children think of these as games, which can help motivate them to improve. There are several math sites that help with math facts. An objective for 2nd quarter is 25 mixed (addition & subtraction) problems in 3 minutes.
Please return all library books by Monday morning. If your child returns the book on Friday or before the due date, they will be allowed to check out a new book.
Shout -Out for Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Daws, Mrs. Nardulli, and Mrs. Rennie, for all the many hours they give our class. Also, thank you for sending in all of the “craft” materials for our “center” time on Friday. The children had a wonderful time.
Once again, your children are growing so quickly. If there is ever a question, call me. 770-330-6033. I know you want the very best for your child, and so do I.

2010-10-08T09:51:00.001-05:00

Oct. 8, 2010
News and Study Guide
It is hard to believe that we are ready for our first report card. They will be issued at your conference.
I have confirmed 99% of the schedule. Please contact me if there are any changes. The school is on an extremely tight schedule. There is time for 20 minutes for each student. Please send in questions or concerns in advance so that I can use the time to your best advantage.
Please check my Blog for websites that are helpful for improving your child’s, reading, writing, spelling, and math skills. The children think of these as games, which can help motivate them to improve. There are several math sites that help with math facts. An objective for 2nd quarter is 25 mixed (addition & subtraction) problems in 3 minutes.
Please return all library books by Monday morning. If your child returns the book on Friday or before the due date, they will be allowed to check out a new book.
My computer driven Scholastic book order did not work out this month. We will try again after the Book Fair. The Book Fair will be held during Conference Week.
Shout -Out for Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Daws, Mrs. Nardulli, and Mrs. Richa for all the many hours they give our class. Also, thank you for having your child prepared with transportation notes and homework. Thank you for being so conscientious about signing daily reports, reading logs, and behavior charts.
The children love their “garden” and their “Mr. Bones” bird feeder. Be sure to ask them about them.
Once again, your children are growing so quickly. If there is ever a question, call me. 770-330-6033. I know you want the very best for your child, and so do I.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Labor Day News

2010-09-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

September 3, 2010
Dear Parents,
Monday is our Labor Day Holiday. I hope everyone enjoys the day of rest.
The first have of the quarter is over. Many of the grades you are seeing will be recorded. Please correct all work with your child. Sign and return 1’s and 2’s. We work towards 3’s. Please check the folded standards sheet I sent home at Open House. I hope that you always feel comfortable to call, 770-330-6033.
Writing/Phonics
• Please remind your child that every sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with punctuation.
• Students should be encouraged to sound out their words and know the sight word list that was sent home at Open House.
Reading/Science:
• Tuesday we will have our Earth Parent lesson on Weather. Please send in your child’s observation sheet of measuring the wind.
• We will also visit the Library on Tuesday. Please return all library books.
Math:
• Our focus is constructing math sentences. Please review all math vocabulary. It is posted on my blog. http://mrspoesplace.blogspot.com/
• There are also many math and language arts computer games sites on my blog. You can locate the sites under my picture as a young student, right side.
• First in Math is available. I will send home your child’s user name and password. Please keep it in a safe place.
Have a great holiday.
Julie

2010-08-30T12:57:00.000-05:00

I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night, Tuesday, at Open House. The PTSA meeting begins at 6:30 in the cafeteria. Our meeting in the classroom will be brief but extremely informative. I will present the information through the Smartboard. You will also have the opportunity to speak with our room parents.

Parents, homework is being sent home tonight. In addition to the 15 minutes your child reads each evening, please help them "observe" the movement of the wind. They have a chart to complete and turn in by Friday.

Thank you for helping your child complete this.
Once again, thank you for all that you do.
Julie

Language Arts Vocabulary

2010-08-16T14:42:00.002-05:00

When reading with your child, help them understand the concepts from the following vocabulary.

Topic 2 Vocabulary
self correct (fix)
beginning
setting
reread
middle
synonym
end
narrative elements
character
fluency
prediction

First Nine Week Math Vocabulary

2010-08-16T14:37:00.002-05:00

Please review and know how to use the following math words.
Topic 1 Vocabulary

•place value
•compare
•digit
•number
•ones
•tens
•money
•penny
•nickel
•dime
•quarter
•fair trade
•more than
•less than
•set
•exchange
•equivalent
•equal

First Day!

2010-08-05T15:47:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful day! Your children are so polite and ready for 1st grade.
Tears were gone before 8:15.
Mrs. Shepherd helped with the morning crush. She deserves a big hug!
We were able to accomplish most of the work I had planned.
Please return the sheets that require a signature from the Cobb County Packet sent home today.
I am still having concerns that these emails are not reaching everyone. I will post this one on my blog. If you see it on my blog and didn't get an email, please call me.
770-330-6033 This is my cell phone.
Reading Homework begins Monday. You will sign a sheet confirming that your child has read that evening.
Mrs. Daws and Mrs. Richa have agreed to sharing the Room Mom title. They will be contacting everyone later on helping in the classroom.
Mrs. Nardulli has agreed to be our Earth Mom
Mrs. Brown has signed up for two working days next week.
It is going to be a great Year!!!!
Thank you for your support.

Welcome letter

2010-08-02T05:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Parents,

Welcome to my first grade classroom! I am looking forward to working with you and your child this year. I know it will be a success. The following is a list of general information to keep in mind as we begin our busy year.

 SCHOOL HOURS: 7:50 a.m. – 2:15
 TRANSPORTATION: For the safety of your child, changes in transportation must be in writing. Please put a note in his/her Take-Home Folder and remind your child the morning of the transportation change.
 HOMEWORK: Reading homework will begin Monday, August 9th. Beginning after Labor Day, students will be given other daily homework assignments. They will have homework Monday – Thursday.
 ABSENCES/MAKE-UP WORK: If your child is has an excused absence, please let us know and we will have their work ready for you to pick up. If your child should have an unexcused absence, make-up work will be given when he/she returns to school.
 BIRTHDAYS: You may send in cupcakes, cookies, pre-cut servings of cake, or other treats to celebrate your child’s birthday at lunch. Please do not send in drinks or party favors.
 LABELING: Please write your child’s name on his/her backpack, coat, jacket, lunchbox, scissors, pencil box, and folders.
 SNACK: The children will have snack time. Please send in a nutritious snack everyday with your child. A small water bottle is allowed to drink, but we have a water fountain in our classroom. Please do not send in any other drinks.
 BREAKFAST: The lunchroom will be serving breakfast for $1.00.
 LUNCH: Student lunches are $1.60 this year. I recommend that you purchase lunch credits weekly or monthly since no charges are allowed. Adult lunches are $2.50 and milk is $.50.
 VISITORS: Parent volunteers and all other visitors must sign in at the front office and obtain a visitor’s tag. This is for the safety of the children here at Ford.
 PTSA: At Ford, we are very fortunate to have a wonderful and supportive PTSA. Both parents and children are encouraged to join PTSA. Membership fees are $5.00 per person, payable to Ford Elementary PTSA.
 TEACHER CONTACT: You can email me at Julie.poe@cobbk12.org Please be aware that messages and emails are checked at the end of the day. Urgent messages should be left with office staff and they will notify me.

The Ford PTSA Handbook, which will be sent home early in the school year, will contain more detailed policies and important dates. The Cobb County web site also has valuable information.

Having your support is very important. If we work together as team, we can provide your child many opportunities to learn and succeed. If you ever have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Poe

New Year 2010 - 2011, New First Grade

2010-07-28T15:34:00.001-05:00

I am so happy to be teaching 1st Grade this year.
Sneak A Peak is Tuesday, Aug. 3.

I hope to see you then!

2010-05-20T08:33:00.000-05:00

May 20, 2010

Dear Parents and Precious Students,

My heart is full of emotions as I say good-bye to this class. It has been one of the most satisfying years in my sixteen years of experience in the classroom.

Our school experienced major changes which have included the School of Excellence, Mrs. Pepper as PTSA Principal of the Year, Seeds of Hope Gardens, Captain Planet, and a full year of Science Lab sponsored by our BoosterRun. It has been an exponential year of growth physically and mentally.

We have also been able to weather through many climate changes; the Flood of 2009, Volcanic Ash from Iceland, (Who ever would have imagined that happening?) and now the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Through it all, you have been a constant. Your children have been sent to me ready and anxious to learn. They are in training to be our leaders of the world and the caretakers of our future. They have strived to be independent learners. They have learned that their lives are determined by the choices they make and that they make a difference!

You have showered me with gifts, working with me in the classroom, numerous emails, phone calls, and compliments. Your children have taken rainy, cold, dreary days and brought sunshine into the classroom with hugs, smiles, and love beyond standard. YOU have made this year one of the best in my career. It goes without saying I will miss working with you.

I have been at Ford Elementary nine years. Previous to that I worked seven years in Paulding Co. Five of those years were in 1st Grade. Also, I have taught swimming for more than 30 years with all age groups. Nothing is set in stone, but I have been asked to teach First Grade next year here at Ford. I hope that you will continue to support me by visiting me on the First Grade hallway. Change is always an opportunity to learn and grow. I am looking forward to the move.

It goes without saying that this is one more reason this 2nd grade class will always hold a most special place in my heart.

Thank you again. Please continue to keep my phone number/email address. I welcome all communication.

Julie A. Poe

PTSA News and Websites

2009-09-21T06:59:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, 9-23, Box Tops Label Meeting, 8:00 a.m. in the PTSA Room

Friday, 9-25, Yearbook Cover Art Contest Ends!!!
Chick-Fil-A Biscuits $2.50
Pine Straw Orders are Due THIS WEEK September 25th!
Reflections entries due September 29th Click for more information: http://tmc.ptsamail.com/reflections/.
Send in your favorite recipes by September 28th. Visit the PTSA website for more information: http://www.fordptsa.com/fundraising.html
Spirit Wear is still available!! To order yours while supplies last go to the PTSA Website: http://www.fordptsa.com/schoolstore.html Fall Spirit Wear will be coming soon!
Our SCRIP fundraiser program is available now and will be posted on our website soon. Order forms will be coming home with your child this week.
Order Sally Foster Online. Visit the PTSA website: http://www.fordptsa.com/sallyfoster.htm
If you haven't signed up for your PTSA Membership card, you can do so by visiting our website: http://www.fordptsa.com/membership.html
Have your child turn in their weekend activities to receive credit in their P.E. classes.
Drop of stuffed toy donations for Firehouse 18
And finally,
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 3rd - Movie in the Garden
We will watch "Wizard of Oz". This is a FREE event with FREE
Popcorn and FREE drinks. Bring food donations for Must Ministries
and receive a FREE raffle ticket for each item you bring. The raffle
will include Wizard of Oz memorabilia or a copy of the Wizard of Oz
DVD. Fore More Information, visit the PTSA website at: http://www.fordptsa.com/familyevents_files/Movie%20in%20the%20garden%202009[1].pdf

2009-2010 Homework Policy

2009-07-27T12:04:00.001-05:00

I recently read an article from Scholastic Parent & Child. There are several points worth passing on to you.

· Connect with others. More than any other single factor we can control, connection is the key to a happy childhood-and adulthood.
Connections in the form of unconditional love from an adult, helps foster self-confidence.

· Let them play, kids need time for unstructured games as well as scheduled events. Play with other children hones their imaginations, while teaching problem-solving skills and an ability to tolerate frustration.

· Encourage practice. Learning anything is painful because it involves failure and progress is frequently slow. But, with encouragement, you keep at it and finally see improvement. The reward, teaches discipline.

· Create opportunities for mastery. With mastery come leadership skills, initiative, and a desire for hard work. It transforms a child from a reluctant, fearful learner into a motivated player.

· Provide recognition. The feeling of being valued by others (friends, family, community) is key. Recognition, in turn, reinforces the sense of connection that all children need.

I hope you will join with me from home and in the classroom to promote these five essential steps. Homework from Mrs. Poe’s class will be selected with these in mind.

Everyday your child is expected to read a minimum of 20 minutes a night. That can include silent reading or reading aloud with your child. Please sign the reading time daily. Remember to encourage your child to reach their AR goal.

Everyday your child should practice math facts, addition and subtraction facts up to 20 are a must. Fractions, geometric shapes, time of the day, and reading information from food containers can be fun and a learning moment. What is the weight? What is the size? How does this food help my body grow? This is especially helpful when you take an interest in their learning. Make it a game! Remember, we want to encourage practice, create opportunities for mastery, and provide recognition.