Dear Parents,

It brings me great pleasure to welcome your family back to Bellefonte Elementary!  My name is Jeffrey Mudry, and I will be your childs First Grade classroom teacher for the 2012-2013 school year.  This will be my seventh year as an elementary teacher in this school district, and I am excited to get to know all of you!

I have been spending time in school preparing the classroom, and I am looking forward to our first day.  I would like to share with you some information about my classroom and First Grade.  First Grade students will spend their day reading, writing, working in small groups, practicing science, working on community activities, using the computer lab, and going to specials (the schedule is on the back of your childs homework folder) such as health/guidance, art, music, library and gym.  We will have homework most days (after we get settled in,) and I enjoy daily read alouds and sharing time to help us get to know each other.  For the first month, your child may bring in something to share on Fridays, but they must also be willing to talk about why it is important to them.  Children can bring in books to read aloud to the class at any time.

One of my goals is to keep parents involved in their childrens education by giving you opportunities to volunteer your time and resources.  I plan to do this by:

v     regularly scheduling parent volunteer participation during classroom activities,

v     maintaining a class website that students and parents can view for information and student work,

v     writing a newsletter that lists events, specials, birthdays and trips, as well as an overview of some of our favorite lessons.

The students and I will love having you with us during school activities, and it also gives families a chance to be together and to help support each other.

I would be happy to discuss these and any other concerns you may have at a time convenient for you.  You may call me at Bellefonte Elementary (355-5519, extension 2127) or at home (357-8101) or email me at jmudry@basd.net.   I look forward to speaking with you all very soon.