At Cascade Heights we try very hard to keep lines of communication open between teachers, parents, and administration. As we approach our halfway point in the year, I'd like to take a few minutes to check-in and make sure our current methods are working well.
Blog
I feel I've been a bit behind on updating our blog frequently enough lately, but am working on it! Thank you for reading the posts and using the tabs for useful information like spelling words, links to other school blogs, etc.
Planners
Students fill out planners every afternoon. In addition to the homework assignments and daily "color", we add upcoming events and dates. This is also a very convenient way for you and I to add a quick note to each other. Please be sure to sign your student's planner each night after homework is checked. The school calendar can also be found in the front of the planner for easy reference.
The school continues to have issues with some emails being bounced or rejected. If you have emailed me and not received a response, please follow-up. I try to reply to all emails as quickly as possible. During a typical school day, this may mean at the end of the day. If you need to reach me for a time-sensitive matter, please call the office or send me a quick text.
Emails received over the weekend will usually be responded to Monday morning (or as soon as possible!)
CHPCS is preparing to move our email server soon, so hopefully the issues we've had will be put to rest. Thank you for your patience!
Remind 101
This little system is a super-easy way to be notified of things that come up! Simply send a text to 971-717-3903 with the message mrsgausma to subscribe. Or you can sign up via email by sending an email to mrsgausma@mail.remind101.com . Remind101 is a one-way text messaging and email system. With Remind101, all personal information remains completely confidential. The class will win a bonus recess when we reach 20 sign-ups!
Calls or Texts
Short notes or questions can be texted to 503-683-3140. This is especially helpful during the school day, when I may not be able to check the computer. Things like, "Johnny needs to go to carline today." or "Do we need to pack a lunch for the field trip?" are quick and easy to reply to promptly. You can call or text after school hours, if needed, but I ask that you not call/text after 8:00pm. Thank you.
Riggs Reports and Portfolios
While some parents reported finding the Riggs reports helpful, the amount of time put into creating them each week (2-3 hours!) seemed high. Missed words can be seen each night in the Riggs books. Late/missing assignments (for bigger, "non-daily" type assignments, like writing or project deadlines) are recorded in the planner. Daily homework (spelling, math) is not recorded, but students are given time to complete these in class or at lunch (not doing homework is not an option).
Ideally, portfolios will come home every-other Thursday. It is important that these come back by the following week so that new information may be added. Thank you for initialing the front cover and sending them back in a timely fashion.
Face to Face
I am always happy to meet with parents to discuss a child. The best time for meeting is after carline (3:45), or by appointment. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to monitor the classroom, welcome each child, and have lengthy conversations during the 7:45-8:00 window. I appreciate quick "status checks" and FYIs in the morning, but for bigger topics, I'd rather give you my full attention- and respect your right to confidentiality- by meeting at a more appropriate time.
Sign-up Genius
I've set up a Sign-up Genius to organize volunteer needs, specifically for our Guided Reading block. We are still in need of a weekly or bi-weekly Wednesday helper from 12:35-1:15. Please click here to sign up!
Please spend just a few more minutes and take the short survey to the right on this page. Your input is appreciated! Thank you!
Mrs. Gausman
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