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!

End of Year Post

As I reflect on the past two years, I am awed by the growth of every student academically, physically, and emotionally.  Thank you for entrusting me with your child these past two years.  While there have, of course, been bumps along the journey, each student has successfully reached the end of elementary school.

The students in our class are all moving on to middle school as caring, kind, thoughtful problem-solvers who look critically at the world around them.  I am so glad to know each and every one of them, and I expect great things from this empowered group of learners.

Enjoy your summer!


-Wendy McGuiggan

Last Day Details

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of 5th grade.  At 9:45, 5th graders will parade through the halls, then walk to the middle school for a step-up day activity with their new 6th grade teachers.

Students will be dismissed from the middle school.  Please note that there are no buses at the middle school.

Field Day Cancelled due to Rain

Due to the weather, we will not be able to have Field Day today.  Because we are unable to reschedule, we will have a movie afternoon today instead.  We will relax and celebrate a successful year by watching a "G" or "PG" movie chosen by the kids while snacking on some popcorn.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility regarding this change!