Foster/Sisk

Get your supplies during tax free weekend!

Just in time for the tax free weekend, here is the list of student supplies for 2nd grade.  OK, I'll admit it, my timing isn't purposefully suave, I just couldn't find my list until now.  If after reading the list you feel you may need to apply for a small loan, we should prioritize the list.  The most important items are the student supplies, such as pencils, notebooks, a binder, and folders.  Happy hunting!

1 pack of 24 crayons

2 glue sticks

24 #2 pencils

2 bottles of hand sanitizer

1 container of antibacterial wipes

2 boxes of Kleenex

2 black dry erase markers

2 spiral notebooks

1 box of Ziploc gallon bags

1 box of Ziploc quart bags

1 pair of 5 inch scissors

one 1 inch, 3 ring binder

4 pocket folders with 3 hole punch (will go in binder)

1 package of Post-It notes (for student use in reading)

2 packs of wide-ruled notebook paper

1 box of bandaids

Mr. Foster's Class 2.0!

Hello everyone!  I hope this blog finds you well rested and enjoying the remaining days of our summer vacation!  My summer was very enjoyable.  I spent most of my time working on a research paper and a 21st century learning project for two of my classes up at KSU.  FYI, if anyone wants to know how a year-round educational calendar impacts student performance on standardized tests, I'll be sure to forward you the thrilling conclusion!  But if you're sitting on pins and needles with anticipation and need the cliff notes version (SPOILER ALERT), it doesn't make a significant impact.  I had to stretch that out into 17 pages, but if you haven't already noticed, I have no trouble fillling in the lines when it comes to writing.  Now that was just a little off the subject, but in between classes I played golf and softball, ran the Peachtree with Sam (1 hour and 6 minutes, I had to ask her to slow down around mile 5 because I was beginning to hallucinate), went to Hilton Head, SC last week, and turned Kennesaw State University into a powerhouse football dynasty on my Xbox.  Sam is the least impressed with the Xbox accomplishment, which she refers to as my "delusions of grandeur".  Even though the summer was a blast, I need to get back into the classroom, I've got a little cabin fever.  I cannot remember a previous year that I was anticipating more than this one.  I really feel fortunate and blessed to be able to loop with this wonderful group of students, as well as welcome a few new classmates to our learning community!  There are many similarities and a few differences from last year, so I'll give you the "411" as the hipsters like to say.  Varner's Meet and Greet is this Thursday, August 9th.  Our classroom is the same place it was last year, 2nd hallway on the right, 2nd to last classroom on the right, next to Ms. Towne.  The furniture is rearranged a little bit, but I'm sure the kids will know where to go.  When you arrive, you will be greeted by TWO teachers, myself and Melissa Sisk.  At the end of last year, Mrs. Whalen approached me about the possibility of co-teaching for this year.  She told me the other teacher would be Melissa and I gladly accepted.  Knowing that our class population would increase in 2nd grade, I thought the co-teaching format would be a tremendous support for the students.  With this, we have also expanded our allotted space, using the class that is next to ours as well.  The co-teaching format will allow Mrs. Sisk and I to meet with students in smaller groups and with higher frequency, meeting the learning needs of each child.  Technically, the students have already met her, as she came in for a couple of activities at the end of the school year in May.  I also had the privelege of working with her in the classroom two years ago when I was teaching 4th grade.  This is her 9th year in education, teaching students across grades K-5 during that span.  She is really excited about meeting all of you at Meet and Greet!  We also have new administators at Varner.  Mrs. Crommett is our new principal, and Mrs. Howard is our new assistant principal.  I have only had the opportunity to speak with them a couple of times, but they are very sweet and are both excited about coming to Varner!  Everything else can wait until Open House, which I'm sure will be in just a couple of weeks!  Thank you again for allowing me to teach your child for a consecutive year, I am really enthused about all the things the students will accomplish this year!  Enjoy what's left of the summer, and I'll see you Thursday!  Kendall Foster

No conference week? What a bummer!

Yes, that's my sentiments exactly! In the past we have held conferences in the fall and spring, however we no longer have a conference week in March.  I will still be sending home report cards along with a teacher's report on what the students strengths, areas of needed improvement, and how to prepare them for the 2nd grade.  If you would still like to conference, I am always available (except Thursdays between 5 and 10) to sit down and speak with you after school has been dismissed  on the growth your child has made this year.  They have really worked hard!  One of the greatest benefits of teaching first grade is the academic growth is so evident, you see it everyday.  Even better, the students have used their Lifeskills to create a classroom community environment, where each student truly cares for the others.  Thank you for working with them at home.  I'll be creating practice CRCT through the online practice site, so if you have any questions or have had trouble accessing that site, please let me know so we can correct any problems ASAP.  If you would like to schedule a conference, just email me at john.foster@cobbk12.org.  Thanks again, have a great week! Kendall

Congratulations

At the beginning of February, Varner began an attendance contest across the school.  The con'test was called "Are you a 7-5er Survivor?"  In order to qualify as a"7-5er Survivor", students must have arrived at school on time, every day in February, with no check outs.  (7-5er means 7 hours a day, 5 days a week)  In our class, we had 5 Survivors!  Congratulations to Bryce, Jhayden, Kennedy, Kaleb, and Benjamin!  A new contest will begin March 1, so let's all stay healthy and good luck!

Supplies Needed

Hey guys!  I just wanted to make a quick post of some supplies that are needed for our classroom.  Apparently, the plague broke out last week so I've been doing a health supply inventory.  If you could donate any of the following items, it would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks for your support! 

bandaids

hand sanitizer

kleenex

lysol wipes or spray

bottled water

glue sticks (not for health reasons, though I hear they are high in calcium)

masking tape (no, not for behavior management)

snacks (pretzels, crackers, cookies, just avoid things that tend to spoil)

Thanks for all your support, I can't believe how fast the year is going by!  The students are really working hard and are so excited about every new thing they learn.  I am so proud of them!  Take care! Kendall

Welcome Back!

Dear Parents,

I may be in the minority here, but I am relieved that the holidays are over so I can get back to work and relax! You see, when you have two weeks off it provides ample opportunity to begin and complete all of the home improvement projects that I've been able to put off since August. Now for most people, it's nothing to sweat about and they even look forward to working on these that should increase the value of your home.  However my greatest handyman skill is not putting in a garage door opener or constructing an electrical outlet box for the basement (both attmepted, the second to nearly dangerous circumstances) but my greatest skill involves writing a check for someone more knowledgeable to actually do these for me (more realistic and doesn't interfere with my video game time!) I tried to convince Samantha, my wife, that the past two weeks was a time for rest and relaxation, which she counterpointed that I would really enjoy since I would be so tired from completing the honey-do list.  After some discussion, we finally compromised that I would just complete my honey-do list and cease my whining, and at completion of my projects I would be given some sort of allowance.  I told Sam that I was going to join a husband's union where I could have a better labor agreement, which she reminded me that I was already in one, my Fantasy Football league.  In short, I'm thrilled to be back in the classroom where (most of the time) I know what I'm doing!!!

It was wonderful to see all the students again, I think some of them grew several inches while they were away.  They have made a wonderful transition back in the classroom, and have picked up where they left off of doing some great work!  I would like to thank each of you so much for your kindness and generosity to me for the holidays, Sam and I are still enjoying our gift cards and candy!  I am really blessed, not only to have the greatest students in the school, but to have wonderfully supportive parents such as yourselves!  Thank you again for all you do for our classroom and your child's education!

This week there are several important events you should be aware of.  Today I sent home a flyer promoting Varner's "Kroger Math Night".  It will be Thursday, January 11 at the Kroger at Varner Crossing.  If your last name begins with A-M, please come from 6:00-7:00 PM.  If your last name begins with N-Z, please attend from 7:00-8:00.  I hate that I have to miss this activity, but my first class of the new semester starts tomorrow night, so I will be unable to attend.  Please support Varner if your schedule permits and come to Kroger, I'm sure it will be lots of fun for the kids and as a family!  Secondly, on Friday, report cards are being sent home through the blue take home folders.  From what I've seen, we will be very happy with the results, this class has been awesome and always give their personal best on their assignments.  The report card will be sent in an envelope with a signature card.  You may keep the copy of the report card.  Please sign the white signature card on the line that reads "Second 9 Weeks", and return it with the envelope on Monday or at your earliest convenience.  If it is not returned, I will have no choice but to call the university which your child is applying for enrollment in 12 years and inform them of this oversight.  I'm sure they won't laugh and hang up on me.  Seriously, just return the white card and envelope and keep the report card for refridgerator material. 

I have had several parents request information on a website we frequent in our class so I thought I would just post it and give it to everyone.  It is www.internet4classrooms.com.  It is a great site for kids that has available games based on their first grade skills.  First, type in the web address, click on "assessment assistance", then click on "1st grade skills".  The kids love going there and it literally contains hundreds of online activities for them involving math, reading, and other language arts skills.  You may have to help them navigate to the list of games/activities, and as always, monitor what and how they are doing.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  This site is great for extra (and even extended to higher grade level) practice!

As far as classroom needs, right now we are in need of water bottles and post it notes.  If you have those available or can donate those items it would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks again for all your support, if you have any questions please email me at john.foster@cobbk12.org.  Take care!!!             Kendall Foster

Happy Holidays!

Dear parents,

I can't believe it, but the winter holidays are just four days away! This means, sadly for me, that we are already halfway through our school year. I cannot compliment and brag on your children enough. They have worked so hard, so well together, and have learned so much in the short time we have spent together. It seems like it's only been a few weeks, it's hard to believe it's been almost five months.  This upcoming week will be very fun, but also very important. 

First, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you who to attend our holiday party.  It is scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, from 9:00-10:00. I would like to thank Mrs. Ingram for all of her hard work with organizing the supplies and to all the volunteers who will be doing crafts with the students during that day.  For all you "Seinfeld" fans, I am sorry to report that there will be no observance of "Festivus" this year in our classroom.  I tried it last year, but there was some unpleasantness during the "airing of grievances". Please be our guests at our party on Wednesday if it is convenient for you!

Also, during the week I will be giving the students their 2nd 9 week assessments in reading, math, writing, and spelling.  We will review in the morning material we've learned over the past 9 weeks and /or since the beginning of school.  In the afternoon, the students will be allowed to partipate in fun activities for working hard during the morning time.  Students will be allowed to bring items from home to use and share in these activities.  The activity theme is differenet each day.  Monday, we are going on a field trip to Kennesaw Elementary to visit our pen pals which will be the majority of our day, so no assessments on that day.  Tuesday, students will review math and take the 2nd 9 weeks math assessment in the morning.  In the afternoon, students are encouraged to bring in arts and crafts supplies from home for free art time later in the day.  On Wednesday, in the morning we have our class party, in the afternoon students will be allowed to play board games from the classroom or home for their afternoon activity.  Thursday, we will finish any reading, writing, spelling, or math assessments necessary, in the afternoon we will watch a movie. 

As you can see, our week is packed with lessons and activities, and I hope we can fit it all in!  If you are leaving town early, I completely understand and we will finish our assessments when we return in January if necessary.  Thank you again for all that you do with your children, I truly feel I am blessed with the opportunity to have them as my students this year, I am very proud of all of them.  If I do not get the chance to speak with you before the break, have a wonderful holiday and I'll see you in 2007!                                                 

                                                                                                                                                    Kendall Foster

Water bottles

Hey everyone! I hope you all had as wonderful a Thanksgiving as I did! It was very relaxing and I didn't go near a shopping venue the day after! It was perfect! Of course, it's just a teaser for what's coming up in four weeks.  I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on activities that are coming up once they are solidified.  In the meantime, I just wanted to let you know I had the students take home their water bottles over Thanksgiving so they could be washed or thrown away.  If you could please send those back with the students, or send in another water bottle that they could have at their desk, it would be much appreciated.  I will try to get some more water bottles for the class later this week.  Recent brain research indicates a need for water intake during the school day to remain hydrated and to keep a strong and steady focus on the tasks at hand.  Again, I will more than likely be able to go to the store for more water later this week, but if you could send in a small water bottle with your child, it would be greatly appreciated.  We will try to not violate any health code and continue to wash them weekly to every couple of weeks.  Also, if a child gets sick or sent home due to illness, the water bottle will be immediately disposed of and the child will receive a new bottle the following day.  Thanks again!

Market Day

Our Market Day is scheduled for this Tuesday, November 21 (the day before Thanksgiving holidays)  In order for it to be the best experience for the students, please send in any items you would like your child to "sell" as a good to their classmates.  You can use items that are no longer used at your home, or if you purchase items, I would suggest just going to the dollar store and finding some fun things that the kids would enjoy.  Or, if you would like to bake something (brownies, rice krispy treats, etc.) and have your child sell that, that would be acceptable as well.  They have been excellent at completing their jobs and are absolutely deserving of this rewarding learning activity.  Thank you for your support, please try to get your donated items to the classroom by Monday, Nov. 20.  Here is a list of suggested items that have been a part of my market day in the past:

-coloring books, reading books, dollar store toys, crayons, board games, card games, gum, candy, pizza, desserts, stickers, NFL pencils, soda pop, stuffed animals, beanie babies)

Items suggested from the students that they want to buy and sell:

-candy, candy corn, erasers, toys, pencils, Nintendo games, candy canes, teddy bears, toy cars, bobbleheads, little American flags, rocket balloons, Spiderman web, books, Battleship, and wigs

Could you pick out your child in the suggestions above?  Anyway, on Monday we will spend time creating a name for our store and learning how to make change.  All prices will be in dollar amounts with no extra cents to make purchases easier.  If you can't donate any items, your child will still participate using classroom supplies or items donated by Mr. Foster.  Again, thank you for your support, we could not do this without you! Kendall Foster

Homework confusion

I have had a few questions about the homework packet, so I just wanted to correct any confusion.  In the packet it asks for the students to write sentences using their spelling words.  The only problem, which is just a minor detail I'm sure, is that the students don't have assigned spelling words.  Since Ms. Towne and I create the packets together, that is specified for her class, I didn't proofread the cover as well as I should have.  So, for our class, since their spelling words are sight words, my students can just use their sight word folder to find 10 sight words that they would like to write in sentences.  Now, if the homework packet is already sent back in, don't worry about it, we'll complete that assignment during class Thursday or Friday.  Again, I'm sorry about the confusion.  I will either assign spelling words or proofread a little better next time! KF