Parents, let me begin by saying what incredibly awesome kids you have! Seriously. This year is going to be so much fun!  Today, we spent the day getting to know one another and some basic classroom routines and expectations. Tomorrow will be more focused on our class culture and we’ll be discussing what things contribute to a positive, fun and safe learning environment. Thanks for raising some incredible kiddos!

Hello parents! I am so excited for the first day of school!  I cannot wait to start this year off with your student in my room!  Here are a few things to help make the first day (and really, the next two weeks) successful:

1. Get excited!  When our enthusiasm shows, it’s contagious!  I believe in strong beginnings and getting to know one another, the routines, and content we’ll be learning. 
2. Be flexible! These first days are all about getting the new routines solidified.  This is the time to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them.  With every new school year comes a whole new set of expectations. So, let’s grow together and be flexible while we’re learning from one another.
3. Manage expectations! The first couple of weeks will be all about relationship building.  I believe that great learning cannot properly take place untilwe establish a foundation of trust, honesty, and collaboration.  That means that the first few days are going to be lighter with team-building and get-to-know-you activities.  Of course, we’ll sprinkle in some content, but don’t expect much homework in the first couple of weeks.

One final and important reminder:The weather forecast for the first few days of school looks H-O-T! Please send your child with a full water bottle labelled with her or her first and last name. We will take plenty of water breaks to stay healthy and hydrated.

We’re going to have a great year and I am so looking forward to getting to know your kiddos more!  Let’s have a great start!

Matt Cooley

I hope everyone is enjoying the last days of summer! I’m so excited to see you at our open house this Wednesday, August 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

If you have supplies of your own or classroom supplies, you may either bring them to open house or on the first day of school. We will label notebooks and folders together, so there’s no need to label them before coming to open house.

Also, consider updating or adding your contact information to the school directory.  The purpose of this directory is to help parents connect with other parents for child get-togethers (playdates, birthday parties).

We do not share parent emails at the office or teacher level. If you would like to connect with other parents to arrange child get-togethers, you must complete this form. Once it is completed, the form will be emailed to all parents who completed the form. This form will not be published on the school website nor will it be printed and distributed. Georgetown School Directory

See you soon!

Mr. Cooley exploring Thornbury, Ontario.

I am looking for more pictures to add to our “Caught Reading” board!  This is something we’ll add to throughout the year, however, it would be nice to have some already up on the board as we begin the year.  These can be a funny, posed photo or can be a true “caught reading” capture.  Either way, it’s meant to be a fun way to get students excited about reading this year.

Email photos to mcooley1@hpseagles.net and I will print and post prior to the open house and the start of school.  I will also add to this board throughout the year!

Thanks for your help!

Did you know that every BOXTOP and every COKE CAP collected earns money for our school?   This summer we would like you to work hard to collect both. The money we earn will go toward a basketball hoop on our K/1 playground!

• BOXTOPS:  Every completed BOXTOP sheet is worth $5.00.  If every child from Georgetown (approx 570) fills  one sheet this summer, our school will earn $2,750.   Many thanks to Lori Simpson and all of you who are on her team of BOX TOP counters, trimmers and packers.  This is a great program that pays off because of all of YOU! Download your form here:  Summer Box Tops
• COKE CAPS:  Super easy. Save the caps and go online to enter collection!  COKE WEBSITE  (https://us.coca-cola.com/give/)   Select Georgetown Elementary and enter the code on the cap.   Now you can recycle the cap. No need to send it to school.

This is a reminder that our goals for students over the summer are below. Students who reach or exceed goals will be entered in a drawing for an Amazon Gift Card (1 per grade). This is for their grade next year.

• Reading:  Log into  this form  to record the number of minutes you read.  You can record each day or enter the total for each week.
• MOBYMAX via CLEVER:  https://clever.com/in/hpseagles

• Login will be username@hpsstudents.net

If your child is new to the school and you would like login information, email Mrs. Reagan.  treagan@hpseagles.net

Have a great summer…and keep on learning with READING and MOBYMAX!

Wow! Can you believe that July is already here? I realize that we are not even halfway through summer break, but do you know what will start appearing in stores right after the Fourth of July? That’s right: school supplies! Even as an adult, seeing those huge displays of brand new notebooks, folders, highlighters, pens, and pencils fills me with excitement and anticipation for the new school year. In case you are as eager as I am to get your new school supplies, I am including a list of supplies that you will need for the new school year.

Dear Parents,

Studies have shown that students can lose up to 50% of learning during the summer vacation.   Georgetown is challenging you and your child to “KEEP ON LEARNING” this summer to prevent summer slide.  There are two ways to record your learning time:

Our goals for students over the summer are below. Students who reach or exceed goals will be entered in a drawing for an Amazon Gift Card (1 per grade). This is for their grade next year.

• Reading:  Log into  this form  to record the number of minutes you read.  You can record each day or enter the total for each week.
• MOBYMAX via CLEVER:  https://clever.com/in/hpseagles

• Login will be username@hpsstudents.net

If your child is new to the school and you would like login information, email Mrs. Reagan @ treagan@hpseagles.net

Have a great summer…and keep on learning with READING and MOBYMAX!

Did you know that every BOXTOP and every COKE CAP collected earns money for our school?   This summer we would like you to work hard to collect both. The money we earn will go toward a basketball hoop on our K/1 playground!

• BOXTOPS:  Every completed BOXTOP sheet is worth $5.00.  If every child from Georgetown (approx 570) fills  one sheet this summer, our school will earn $2,750.   Many thanks to Lori Simpson and all of you who are on her team of BOX TOP counters, trimmers and packers.  This is a great program that pays off because of all of YOU! Download your form here:  Summer Box Tops
• COKE CAPS:  Super easy. Save the caps and go online to enter collection!  COKE WEBSITE  (https://us.coca-cola.com/give/)   Select Georgetown Elementary and enter the code on the cap.   Now you can recycle the cap. No need to send it to school.

Welcome Students & Parents!

I’ll use this blog as a way to communicate important information that affects my 5th classroom. Reminders such as, field trip dates, conferences, updates to policies etc, will be posted in here. Also, you can find information out about me, as well as the  whole 5th Grade teaching team. My goal is to communicate effectively with you to ensure a positive home and school relationship that best supports the learning that is happening in the classroom.

Please SUBSCRIBE to this blog to receive automatic updates anytime a new post appears.  This way you’ll always have the most up-to-date information on all things happening in our room!

I’m looking forward to a fantastic year!

Sincerely,

Mr. Cooley