You did it! Welcome to first grade. I am so happy to have each and every one of you join me for what is sure to be one of your most unforgettable years in school. I am passionate about building a solid and supportive classroom community or "school family", as I like to call it. This will only be possible with your help and commitment to yourself and each other. In order for this to happen, we will take time to learn and practice RSD 13's Core Ethical Values: respect, kindness, responsibility, courage and honesty.
I learned many things last year during my second year of teaching, all of which I will teach you during our year together. First, however, I would like to share with you a few bits of information I'd like you to remember throughout the entire year.
1. I believe in you. You are all so different yet you all share a common quality, ability. It will be my job this year to teach you how to use this ability to your full potential.
2. I trust in you. Just as I hope you will trust me, I will trust you'll give me a 100% each day.
3. You are listened to. Although I may be much older than each of you, I believe you have an enormous amount of information to teach me and I promise to listen to you. I promise to listen to your stories, your worries, your interests and your wants and use them when planning our days.
4. You are cared for. It is my goal to make Room 12 your second home. I will do my best to make you feel safe and comfortable each and every day.
5. You are important. I want you to remember how vital (really important) you are to our class. Each one of you will bring something special to our group and will help to make Room 12 be the best place to be in Brewster. One of my favorite sayings is, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all". Throughout the year you will learn exactly what this means.
6. You will succeed. First grade rocks and by the end of the year you will be so impressed with yourself. I will do everything in my power to make you feel successful in everything you do throughout the year.
So to kick of our year I'd like to invite you to write your very first blog. Tell your classmates and I a little about yourself. You can write about your favorite animal, something you did this summer or maybe just something you'd like everyone to know about you! Check out the comments to see mine as an example. Blog away, little ones! :-)
Fondly,
Miss Zauner