Welcome Letter

Hello Room 2 Parents!  I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  My name is Tara Hinchen and I am in my 10th year teaching at Valley View School!  Not only am I a teacher here, but I also went to this school as a little girl.  I am married to Curtis Hinchen and we have 3 beautiful dogs!   I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico but have lived here in the Coachella Valley most of my life.  I love this community and I love teaching Kindergarten!

You will notice that your child got a brand new folder (that contains this letter).  This folder will be our communication bridge all year.  I also am pleased to announce that we now have a class blog!  I will be communicating a lot on the blog as well.  Here is the blog address: http://mrshinchen.blogspot.com or if you have a smartphone you can scan this code to access the website:

I have set a few goals for us this year.  First, I want to provide your child with the best Kindergarten Learning Experience ever!  Second, I want to incorporate technology in our classroom as a means to communicate and learn effectively.  Lastly, I want to prepare my students to be ready for first grade by incorporating the new Common Core Standards as a course of study that will help students to become learners in real world situations.

Your child will be getting homework nightly.  I do not do a weekly packet as I want your child to get into the habit of doing homework and setting aside a nightly routine that helps make students responsible.  

I have provided all the supplies your child will need (as far as school supplies) so please have your child leave pencils, crayons, scissors, etc. at home.  Your child will need a backpack however so that they can take home finished work and their homework folder.  Also, please make sure your child does not sneak toys to school in their backpacks, they end up getting lost and playing with them at inappropriate times.

This letter is just a few of the important things that I think you should know.  You will be getting a lot more information however at our back to school night.  Please feel free to meet with me at anytime, we are in this together as a team for your child!  I look forward to getting to know each of your children as well as each of you parents! If you child requires a special diet, or religious accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible!  

Let’s have a great year

Love,

Mrs. Hinchen

I recently added a profile to edmodo.com  Please check it out... edmodo is an awesome tool to use in the classroom with students as well as with colleagues.  It is a secure social learning site... where teachers can create assignments, quizzes, as well as share things with colleagues.  I'm just learning how to use it, so bear with me while I figure it out!

Pinterest Addiction

I have been scouring Pinterest all summer for some great ideas for the upcoming year, I also already went to some teacher stores and bought some cute things to add to my classroom decor for this upcoming year.  I am nervous about the school year beginning, and can't wait at the same time.  I'm going to figure out how to add pictures of what I'm learning on Pinterest to add to my blogs... I'm excited to learn.