I am introducing myself to those parents that I have not met, and saying hello to those I know from previous years. My name is Mrs. Pocceschi (pronounced Po-chess-key), but I am called Mrs. P. Our classroom assistant is Mrs. Hannington. 

I want to make it very clear that I feel it necessary to keep open lines of communication between the school and the home. If you ever have a question, or problem please call me at 693-1914 between 7:45 and 3:30, and 693-3700 between 4:00 and 10:00. If I can help to solve the problem, or answer any questions, I will do so.

I also feel that it is very important to meet with you a few times a year. This allows me to explain where your child is, and where we would like him/her to be, and it also shows your child that you, a very important figure in his/her life, are interested enough to check on his/her progress. I will make every effort to meet at a time that is conducive to your schedule.

I chuckle as I write this next paragraph cautioning you to beware of what may be discussed in front of your child at home. Just as they share their "school days" with you, they also share their "home stories" with us. Their age and innocence prevents them from realizing that some things should not be repeated.

Every Monday your child will receive spelling words for the week, and the test will be on Friday. Please take a few minutes each night to review the spelling of these words.

Your child also receives new reading words every 5 to 9 school days, depending on the reading selection. All he/she needs to do with these words is to read them orally. Asking to see them, and having them read to you, would be a tremendous help. I ask that you continually review these spelling and reading words with him/her. Studies show that most children retain information that they have heard and repeated at least 30 times.

There may be 2 to 4 math sheets given as homework a few times a week. I ask that you look over the work with your child and drop me a note, or call if they are really struggling with the assignments. All homework is a review of what was discussed in class.

I am a disciplined instructor and expect the students in my class to behave appropriately, work on assigned subjects, and learn to get along with others. Most, if not all, incidences will be handled by me. I will call or write to you only if the behavior is severe, or truly unacceptable. I do my very best to hear all sides of a situation before passing judgment and disciplining. Please understand that in my 29 years of teaching I have never struck a child, nor do I ever intend to. Discussions with the child or children involved, and when necessary, removal of classroom, lunchroom, or playground privileges is what I rely on. If these interventions are not successful, I may find it necessary to drop you a note which your child must sign, and you will also be asked to sign and return to me, or I may call you if the situation warrants it.

I will tell you now that I will be challenging your child to perform at and above his/her level. "All children can learn," is our goal, and I firmly believe that at this grade level your child must start to develop more in-depth thinking and reasoning skills, as well as a higher reading and math level.

Part of my system is giving ‘rewards’ as incentives. Stickers, notes to take home, pencils, erasers, and of course ‘goodies’. If your child has any food, beverage, gum, or food coloring allergies, please  make us aware of them.