Ms. Fitzgerald's Kindergarten Class

I am a Lakeland native.  I graduated from Kathleen High School.  I attained my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Polk Community College.  I recieved my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia.  I also attended the University of Central Florida for a year.  I am working on my masters degree at the University of South Florida, Tampa.  When I finish I will have my Masters in Elementary Education and Reading Endorsement.

 I have been teaching for 8 years.  My certification from the State of Florida Department of Education is in Elementary Education and I have an English Language Learners endorcement.  I have extensive training and background in reading instruction and integrating technology in to the classroom.  This means I have experience, am certified, and "Highly Qualified" to teach your child. 

I have taught 4th grade, Second grade, and Kindergarten.  When asked which I like the best I always answer I like them all.  Kindergarten is a very rewarding grade to teach, the children are young and inexperienced at the beginning of the year and by the end of the year they are reading and writing.  There are so many accomplishments I get to share with your children. 

I have two children Colin and Connor.  Colin is 6 and beginning 1st grade.  Connor is 4 and starting Pre-K this Fall.  We have a dog named Annie and a bunny named Juno.  For fun I spend time with my family and friends.  I enjoy reading and doing puzzles.  I also like to shop when I can.  We like to go camping, fishing and to parks in our free time.  Mostly I enjoy doing things with my sons that we can do together.

As a parent I am going through many of the same things you are.  I try very hard to do things for you the way I would want them done for me.  I believe we should work together for the education and well being of the students.  I want my classroom to be a safe, orderly, and also fun environment for your child to learn in.  What is best for your child is always my first priority.

Parents and Friends,

I know that finances are tight for everyone right now.  There are some items not listed on your school supply list that come in very handy in the classroom.  If you are able and would like to donate, these are some things we could use...

Parent Volunteer time (to color, cut, file, help in various ways)

Healthy Items for Snacks

Velcro dots (I use them for our centers and I am always making centers)

glue sticks (they don't last long)

tissues (the softer ones the school provides some that rough on little noses)

packaging tape (clear packaging tape I use on centers, hanging things up and to fix books when the pages start to fall out)

Extra Crayon/Pencil  boxes

fine point dry erase markers (we use them in centers)

clear shower curtains (we use them to make games and centers)

lysol wipes (or the generic brands to keep tables and technology clean)

Any item or time you contribute to our class will be greatly appreciated!

• Sign up to volunteer -In order to help in the classroom or to chaperone field trips parents must be approved volunteers. The application to become a volunteer takes awhile to be completed and does cost $25. Please do not put it off until something comes up that you would like to do. You can get an application at school or on the polk county website!  They will not accept applications after February 1st.
• Please work with your child on writing sentences they do not have to be long however they do need to have a subject and a predicate (who did what). 
• Please make sure you are doing homework and reading nightly.  Even if you're only doing sight words it is very important to reinforce what we are working on.  Most children cannot learn everything they are expected to learn if they are only getting it at school.
• Check the agenda DAILY for these many reasons...behavior-make a big deal about good days address bad behavior choices. We are a team.
• Reading log-when you read a book with your child at night jot down the name of the book in the agenda. The principal is checking these regularly!
• Communication-notes between home and school, forms and papers will be sent home in the agendas or Wednesday Folders. PLEASE check your child's agenda and backpack.  

I plan to have pictures posted frequently.  Check back often!

Reading Buddy Photos 

Dear Parents and Families-

Thank you so much! I have many things to say thank you for:

Thank you to the families who sent in supplies for our holiday party.  We had a fun time!  We ate healthy treats.  We danced the cupid shuffle (they learned it in PE), we played pin the nose on the snowman, and decorated ornaments for the children to bring home to you.

Thank you to the children and their families many of them have been working very hard.  I am proud of growth they are making.

I am really excited about a wonderful new year I am looking forward challenging your children and getting their best!

Sincerely,

Ms. Fitzgerald