Looking Back on the First Week

At the end of the day today kids took time to reflect on and thank those who have helped them have a successful first week.  It is clear from that exercise that students are making new friends and starting to become a classroom community.

Today we also started thinking about our personal goals for how we want to grow and what we'd like to accomplish this year.  We read one of my favorite books, Miss Rumphius, to explore how it's important not to just set goals, but to work toward achieving them.

Today you should find that your 4th grader has a home-school folder and an academic planner.  These items should go home every night and come to school every school day.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Important Information that Has Gone Home

In your child's home-school folder today you should find a permission slip for our first two field trips (Tunbridge Fair and Rock of Ages).

You will also find your child's first homework assignment, which challenges him/her to find objects that inspire memories.

Information about PE and the lunch calendar also went home.

Please remember to turn in your ECO paperwork as soon as possible.

Thank you, and please email (wendym@mpsvt.org) or call (225-8238) with questions or concerns.

We had a great second day.  Kids switched classes for math successfully, and it's clear that students are getting the hang of 4th grade routines and expectations!

First Day: Routines and Procedures

Today was a packed day!  Instead of academics, students learned about the procedures, expectations, and routines that they will engage in throughout the year.  Our class was full of energy this morning, yet very tired by the end of the day.

The only mail that went home today is in regard to ECO.  Please return page 2 as soon as you are able and keep pages 3 and 4 at home for your reference.  Our first ECO will be September 22nd.

One challenge was that our room is very hot in the afternoon.  If any family has an extra fan that they can loan to our class through August and September, please let me know (wendym@mpsvt.org).  Thank you.

Get Ready For Our First Day!

The first day of school is finally here!  Students will look for my sign which says "Wendy" on the upper playground at 8:20.  This week we will focus on learning the routines of our classroom and on building community.  I hope you are as excited to begin as I am!

Back to School Shopping

It's hard to believe that the summer is just about over and school begins next week.  As you go shopping for school supplies, please consider purchasing any of the following items to contribute to the classroom if able:

• number 2 pencils and ballpoint pens (black or blue ink)
• erasers (the large pink ones and the caps)
• skinny markers
• dry erase markers
• bottles of white glue
• wide-ruled paper (with or without three-hole punch)
• boxes of tissues

In addition to items listed above which will be shared, each child will need:

• a backpack
• a three ring binder
• a water bottle
• appropriate clothing for ECO (details will go home the first week of school)

Please let me know if you need assistance obtaining school supplies.  You can reach me at wendym@mpsvt.org or 225-8238.

Thanks!

August 19th: Meet and Greet

I hope to see everyone at our Meet and Greet tonight!  Mrs. Parker and I will be on the upper playground at 6pm.  After enjoying some snacks and informally getting to know one another, families will have the opportunity to visit our classrooms.  Feel free to come for all or part of the Meet and Greet tonight from 6-7.

About Me

Welcome to our class blog!  Throughout the year you will find important information about what we are learning about in school and about special events.  The blog will be updated at least once a week during the school year, so be sure to check it regularly.

In this first entry of the year, I'd like to introduce myself.  I grew up in Massachusetts, but came to settle in Vermont five years ago because my husband was attending UVM.  After he completed his studies we decided to stay in this beautiful state.  This is my 4th year teaching at Union Elementary, and I am excited to be back in 4th grade this year.  It is my favorite grade to teach, and I am really looking forward to the start of the year.

One thing that people often ask me is, "How do you say your last name?"  While I hope everyone feels comfortable calling me Wendy, here is the pronunciation for McGuiggan: mik-GWIG-en.  I hope that helps!

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Here is a picture of me with my husband John and our dog Lola when she was still a puppy.

Some of the things that I enjoy doing with my family are hiking, camping, and playing disc golf.

Here is a snapshot of Lola and me playing disc golf during the winter.

This is Lola and me on a windy summit.

As you might have gathered, I spend a lot of time outdoors with my dog.  I also have two wonderful cats named Desmond and Molly.  They love to snuggle while I'm reading a book (sometimes sitting on the book) or join me on the yoga mat while I'm doing yoga (cats are really good at getting in the way).

This picture is several years old, but it's one of my favorite shots of them because they form a heart as they curl up together.  

I hope that my introductory blog and the pictures have helped you get to know me better.  I look forward to meeting everyone on August 19th.  See you then!