Welcome to Fourth Grade!

Dear Parents and Student,

I am looking forward to a fantastic school year. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you and give you some information about our class.

I’m originally from the Midwest, specifically Illinois. I went to college at the University of Illinois-Urbana and received a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, then went on to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a Master’s Degree in Food Science. While at grad school, I met my husband Scott. We ended up here in Cache Valley, when he accepted a faculty position in the Chemistry Department at USU. We have four children: my daughter Stephanie is starting her third year at BYU, my son Michael is a senior at Mountain Crest, and my twin sons Matthew and Mark are now in fifth grade. I decided that I wanted to be a teacher after being a paraprofessional (teacher’s aide) at Providence Elementary for three years and loving my job and the children that I taught! Some of my hobbies include running, cooking, needlework and crafts, ice skating, gardening, reading, and spending time with my family.

Following is some information to get you and your student started on a great year. The fourth grade teachers sent home a list of items on the last day of school. I am including that list for you again, just in case you’ve misplaced it. Please have your child bring his/her supplies on the first or second day of school.

Homework

Every night, students are expected to read 20 minutes. Other homework will be sent out on Monday and will be due on Friday. This homework will reinforce the skills that your child is learning in class that week.

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Homework Folder

Their homework folder will travel from school to home each day. Every Monday I will send home their spelling list, vocabulary words, homework, and parent letter/weekly calendar. The parent letter will include any missing assignments, their behavior for the week, and any important class or school announcements. There will also be a spot provided for you to write any questions or comments that you may have. This letter will need to be signed by you each week and returned to school with your child.

Other Information

· School starts at 9:05 a.m. and dismisses at 3:25 p.m. Friday school dismissal is at 2:10 p.m.

· Students should be at school and ready to start at least 5 minutes before 9:05 a.m. We do have a self-start each day, and I encourage all children to be ready to start school before the 9:05 a.m. bell.

· Any children who arrive after 9:05 a.m. will need to check in at the office before coming into the classroom.

· If you wish to check out your child before the end of the school day, you are asked to check him/her out through the office for safety reasons.

· Birthdays: Students will be allowed to bring a treat/small toy on or near their birthday (this is, of course, optional). Please contact me before their birthday so we can set up a time for passing out treats. If your child has a food allergy, please let me know what foods are problematic and what alternative treats he/she would enjoy.

Communication

My email address is karen.ensign@ccsdut.org. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Or you may call me at home at 753-9406. The best form of communication for me is through email.

Volunteers

If you are willing to help in the classroom or help with any projects at home, please indicate on the attached form and return it to school.

Student Information Sheet

Please fill out the student information sheet and return it with your student on the first day of school or at Back to School night.

I am really looking forward to working with you and your child this year. Thanks in advance for all that you do. I am so fortunate to teach at a school that has such supportive parents. I am also looking forward to getting to know you and your child and for helping them have a fun and successful year!

Karen Ensign