2014-2015 Back To School

2014-2015 Ms. Tidwell's Treasures 

Welcome to our class blog! 

I just walked through our classroom today it is so beautiful and new! I can't wait to move in. The theme I have picked for the 2014-2015 school year is Ms Tidwell's Treasures. I believe every child and every family that comes into my classroom is a treasure. I am excited to build relationships with all of you this year. 

I graduated from ASU with a BA in Education in 1999. This will be my thirteenth year teaching and I love it. My philosophy of education is quite simple, it is to build the child. To me, this means helping every child learn, grow, and have fun doing it. We all learn differently and we all have different strengths. This is what makes us VALUABLE! A treasure even. It is my goal this year to help each child develop their talents and learn what makes them special. Fourth grade is an interesting year in a child's growth. It is a transition year. The bar is raised so to speak and sometimes that takes a little while to learn. That is ok! We will work on it together, so don't worry. We will begin to practice many life skills such as organization, kindness, learning how to be a friend, study skills, a positive attitude and so much more. We have so much to do and I can't wait to start. I hope you and your child are as excited as I am! 

Meet the Teacher night is Thursday, August 7th at 5:00 pm.
Please come! I am anxious to meet each of my special new students. It is important for me to get to talk to each student and their family. This is a busy night as there will be many people in and out of the classroom. If you have any concerns about school, or your child, please email me so we can figure out a time to discuss those concerns one on one. You may also bring in school supplies at that time. 

A few things about me......

I have lived in the valley my whole life! I was born in Mesa at Banner Desert Hospital. I attended Mesa High School and Arizona State University. I have one sister and two brothers who are amazing!  My best accomplishments in this life are my children Aydan and Ellie. They are ages ten and seven and what fun they are! I learned SO much last year having my own fourth grader. I enjoy reading, hiking/being outdoors, exercise, travel, friends, movies, Kneaders, Anthropologie and naps. I believe in adventure. I feel like travel is the BEST adventure. I have been to Canada, Hawaii, various states in the US, Mexico, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Singapore, Bali and France. I think making goals and keeping commitments are important. I try to run one big race every year. Mostly because running teaches me a lot about myself and gives time for introspection, not because its fun. I love to write and have my own blog where I chronicle my life. I have found it to be a great outlet and something I really enjoy. I love this life! 

My Mom and I in Bangkok, Thailand by the reclining Buddha this summer. 

My children and I in California this summer. 

Class Supply List

1. Backpack
2. Pencil Box
3. Colored Pencils or Markers (I will have crayons for use, please make sure markers are washable)
4. Dry Erase Markers
5. White Board
6. Fiskars Scissors (child size)
7. Glue Sticks and one white school glue
8. 1 package of wide ruled notebook paper
9. 1" three ring binder with pockets on both the front and back cover and a see through sleeve on the front.
10. 1 box of Kleenex
11. 1 bottle of hand sanitizer
12. 1 container of Clorox wipes
13. Pencils 
14. Pink Pearl Eraser
15. Clipboard

****Please write your child's name on all their supplies with a permanent marker.

I love to have an open line of communication with parents at all times. This blog is up and running 24/7. I will post important class information here weekly. Everything you need to know about our classroom each week will be posted here. This will be instead of a newsletter. You can find the weekly calendar, school info, class info, spelling lists and more. 

If you need to contact me the best way is email. My email address is dtidwell@alaschools.org

I check my email before and after school, if it is urgent it is best to call the office. 

The school phone number is #480-988-3204

In class we will be using the agendas daily. I check them every morning. If you need to send in a note that is the BEST place for written communication. 

I am looking forward to seeing you soon! Enjoy your last few days of summer. 

Love, 

Ms. Tidwell