Parent's Letter of Introduction to Classroom Protocol

Dear Parents:

Welcome to the Solemn Holy Communion and First Confession class of SS. Peter & Paul Sunday School program!   Christine Pandolfo will, once again, work with me to create a fun and safe learning environment in which the students’ love for the Lord will flourish.

This year we expect to communicate primarily through this blog.  You will get an email from me with a hot link so that you can simply click to read new posts.  While I am still on a learning curve, I trust that, by the grace of God,  I can manage this technological development, and that it will result in improved communication.  Let's stay both patient and optimistic in this regard.

We will continue to use the Welcome textbook, in addition to classroom activities and worksheets that are designed to reinforce the children's learning in a creative way.   

Notes for Parents of First Grade Students:

Your child will be given a book this upcoming Sunday. and will be asked to work with a parent to simply read the designated chapters.  If you think that your child is ready for the challenge, feel free to have them answer the questions at the end of the chapters. They will also have the option of a more condensed workbook that I created.  I have hard copies available in my class room and it is also accessible under the "First Grade Student Material" tab on this blog.  

Notes for Parents of Second Grade Students:

Your child is being asked to reuse the books they were given last year.  Moreover, they will be required (to the extent that they have not done so already) to complete the review questions at the end of each of the chapters.  We will begin checking their books for completion beginning next week.  My thinking is that by the start of second grade, most of the children are in a position to work more independently, in terms of both reading and writing, such that the assignments are “doable” and not overly burdensome.

Second year students will also have small workbooks for each semester (issued under separate cover) that will (in the fall) introduce them to the Divine Liturgy and (in the spring) focus on an understanding of the Communion Prayer, with a hopeful eye on committing it to memory.  Unfortunately the book I used for the former activity is no longer available, so I am in the process of creating something new.  I hope to have it ready by Sunday.

Also, we will need you to complete a Candidate Information Request Form for your child. Hard copies are available in the classroom or the form can be downloaded by clicking on the "Administrative Business" tab on the home page of my blog.  At this point in time, we expect to have 7 children receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Solemn Holy Communion in May.  Please see the "Second Grade Student Material" tab for a link to download the Sacramental Preparation Handbook.

Notes for All Parents:

(1)  In our lesson planning, we have created a 20-block blueprint (See "Curriculum" tab) that we hope will facilitate your child’s learning.   We will use classroom activities and worksheets to teach each of the 20 study areas.  You will notice that the textbook chapter reference (in Column 2 of the Curriculum Blueprint) is identified with the expectation that the home work assignment of reading and, for our second graders, answering the review questions, would reinforce what your child has learned in class. In general, the material sequence is in chapter order, but you will see that, at times, we will either be moving ahead or circling back.  So please make an effort to invest quality study time at home.  This is the absolute best time to capitalize on your child’s innocence and sincere desire to know, love and serve God. 

(2)  Please be certain that Model Release Forms have been completed. (See Administrative Business tab)  We hope to have fun posting pictures of some of our classroom activities! 

(3)  Hopefully you will take the time to get familiar with this blog.  A lesson overview will be published weekly.  Please check it out and give me your feedback through blog comments or by other means.  I am always looking to improve!

Finally, we would like to thank you, in advance, for faithfully bringing your child to Church and Sunday school, for helping them prioritize their spiritual development, and for your overall support of our program.  We are truly honored to have the opportunity to work with your child.  If you have any questions, please contact me at rslcounsel@aol.com or 484.832.6567.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Plush