Ms. K Has Left the Building--well, sort of

Here lately it seems as if I have been out of the classroom so much--at least more than I typically am. The most recent two days I was out, I was actually in the building working on something for the school. Now here is the news that will make your children jump for joy! They will think it is Christmas all over again. This coming Monday I am to report for jury duty, which means I will be out of the classroom for several days, possibly the whole week. I can almost hear their shouts of jubilation right now.

Needless to say, I could use your help next week. Please remind the class that their behavior and effort should be as good if not better than normal. This is an amazing class and I could sing their praises all day long, but I know the temptations that arise when a substitute teacher is in the room. I have been the student and the substitute, so believe me, I know.

What next week holds (with or without me):

1. Midterms will come home Monday. Please sign and return the cover sheet.
2. Permission slips for the symphony trip on February 19 are due back ASAP. There is no cost for this trip, but students will need to bring a sack lunch that day. If you need a sack lunch from the cafeteria, please let the substitute know right away.
3. Thursday is the 2nd annual Valentine’s Day Non-party. (We are allowed only two parties a year and our class has parties at Christmas and the end of the year.) Mrs. Ward will be hosting our Non-party with her students. If you would like to send in cupcakes and/or juice boxes, please contact Mrs. Ward ( 291-6382 x 1107 or ashley.ward@mnps.org ). She will be coordinating everything and making sure there is enough for our classes. If you are sending in Valentines, please try to send one for your child’s reading buddy and maybe for Mrs. Ward, too, to thank her for allowing us to have the Non-party.
4. No school on Monday, February 18 for Presidents’ Day.
5. Remember to bring a lunch on Tuesday, February 19.
6. Black history projects are due Friday, February 22 and presentations will be that following week. I will send home information as to what day your child will go so you can try to attend.
7. The second LCO payment ($10) is due no later than February 29.

I will be back in the classroom as soon possible. I am grateful that you are so understanding and supportive. Please trust that all of these absences of late have been out of my control. I’ll make it up to you by keeping your children for two nights in May! Deal?

Have a good week and try not to miss me too much, because I will be back.

(Look for a post about graphic novels next week.)

P.S. Here is an interview with my former student and current NBA rookie, Brandan Wright. It goes to show you that you can be a professional athlete making millions of dollars and still be a good, humble person. I am very proud of Brandan and all that he has accomplished and will achieve in his life. He is a role model you can look up to who actually walked the same hallways you do today!