We have 22 students in class this year. All treats must be nut-free and should not contain liquids or items that can quickly melt, like fruit popsicles.

Calvin cash is a classroom economy system that I created to foster financial literacy, autonomy, positive reinforcement, accountability, math fluency, responsibility, trust, and —most importantly— student engagement within a positive classroom culture.

This article is a very short and brief overview of what a classroom economy system could look like.

— Please send your child with the items listed under the student materials checklist section above.

— We could always use more materials and classroom resources. I have created an amazon wish list with various items that would be awesome to utilize on projects.

— Please message me if you have used items that you are looking to get rid of. A good majority of books, legos, games, and other items in my classroom were donated by parents that were already planning on taking them to Goodwill.

— In the past, I have had a classroom parent fund a one year subscription to an educational platform for the entire class to utilize; such as Raz Kids, Epic! books, and Kahoot. However, at Mountain school, I do not believe my students will have daily access to technology. So if not this year, consider this option for future years, as it is very helpful and generous.

*** Above all, please continue to encourage your child to try their best, complete homework, step out of their comfort zone, try new things with a growth mindset, and bring a positive attitude to class.

1. On most Fridays, I send students home with their weekly themed extension packet. These are activities that are completed in addition to the curriculum taught. I use these short packets as an independent activity, filled with supplemental practice, to ultimately strengthen their skills. Check it out or ask your child to show you the page that they are most proud of that week.

2. Homework & weekly reading logs

3. Parent/teacher conferences and report cards

4. Occasionally, I will use Class Dojo points for behavioral feedback.

5. Please keep up to date with Class Dojo and ask your child how they are feeling with assignments and units of study that are written in the announcements. Also, ask them about Cavin cash.

On Monday, I send home a weekly homework packet and ask for it to be returned on Friday. The packet will include a reading log, spelling list, math worksheets, and sometimes an extra page of science, geography, or a topic that is related to a unit discussed in class. Reading every single day is such an important part of developing vital skills. My goal is for homework to not be a dreaded, lengthy, time consuming task. I ask a lot from my students during the day and want them to enjoy their time after school.

Homework is meant to be supplemental and extra practice. Do not hesitate to reach out and communicate about homework. I am flexible and here to help.

Yes, I do! I decorate the student’s desk with balloons and other fun items to make their day special. If you'd like to send a treat for the celebration, please send me a message via Dojo, and we can coordinate to make it happen.

Please remember that all treats must be nut-free and should not contain liquids or items that can quickly melt, like fruit popsicles.

If your child’s birthday falls on a weekend, we will celebrate on the Friday before. For summer birthdays, I will choose a special day during the school year to celebrate your child.

Please message me on class dojo. I have the app on my phone and it notifies me just like a text message. I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Please note that I believe that staying balanced is key and I tend to disconnect from technology when I am away from school. However, I still aim to check-in and respond as quickly as possible.

Regardless of the situation, I will do my best to help.

In the past, I have had parents reach out to me for a wide variety of reasons. Being aware of difficult situations outside of school helps me support your child during school. In certain cases, I have worked with parents by setting up different reward systems and behavioral, academic, or social/emotional check-in/check-out slips.

Yes! I try to take my students on 2-3 field trips a year. In past years, I have really enjoyed the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Nicene Marks Park, and Rodoni Farms: Pumpkin Patch. Each month, I like to take my students on “backyard” trips; such as the Soquel creek.

*We will need parent volunteers to drive and chaperone. More details and sign-ups will be sent through Class Dojo.

Yes!

If your child will be absent for 3 or more school days:

1. Please head into the front office and fill out an independent study contract (at least one week in advance).

2. Once submitted, you will be notified of approval or denial by the district administrator. Office staff will make arrangements for student work (an independent packet made by me) to be given to you.

3. Students must return completed work to the office once they return.

Yes! I have purchased class packs and bulk sets to sustain replacements throughout the year, however, it is essential that your child comes to school on the first day with the items listed below. If for any reason you are not able to send your child with the following items, please email me and I will make sure that your child will have access to the listed materials. If you would like to donate to support other children in class, please message me, and thank you so very much for your generosity.

*I will have a materials box/pouch for each child to use at school.

Student Materials Checklist:

Personal Materials (please write your child’s name on these items)

1. Crayola Broad Line Markers (12 Count) — Amazon Link

2. Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct) — Amazon Link

3. Crayola 24 Count Box of Crayons — Amazon Link

Shared Class Materials

1. Box of #2 Pencils — Amazon Link

2. Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers, Medium, 3 Count — Amazon Link

3. Elmer's School Glue Sticks — Amazon Link

4. Box of Fine Tip, Black Dry Erase Markers — Amazon Link

5. Lysol Disinfectant Wipes — Amazon Link

Optional:

Class Donations and Wishlist

At any time of the year, if you are interested in donating materials to our class, I have created an amazon wishlist of items that we readily use. Absolutely not necessary, but greatly appreciated. Class Wishlist Link

I do not offer tutoring during the school year but do know a few incredible educators that do. Please let me know if you are interested and I will try to get you connected to the right fit. In some cases, it might be more helpful for your child to be sent home with specific extension practice worksheets. Let’s chat more if you have concerns and are looking for tutoring support.

A possible resource:

1. Sophie Hannah (831) 234-5582 - Usually completely booked but is an extraordinary tutor.