Monday Made It

I am SO excited about this school year, and I actually can't wait for it to start.  Teachers don't go back until August 20th, but I've been using this "down time" to start getting ready.  Today I'm linking up with Tara from 4th Grade Frolics  for her Monday Made It linky.

While there is a lot I should be doing around the house, all of my "made its" have been classroom related. 

I don't know about you, but as excited as I am about the start of a new school year, I am still incredibly nervous.  I also know that it is nerve-racking for students as well.  To try to help ease nerves, I always mail a little "Meet Your Teacher" book to the students before school starts.  In this book, I give students a small sneak peek into what we will do this year, information about my family, my fur baby, my hobbies, and my favorites when I was in 2nd grade.  

In addition to the book I throw in a couple of "Sensational 2nd Grader" pencils.  What kid doesn't like to get mail?!  In the large envelope, I include a smaller envelope that is labeled "For Your Parents".  In this envelope is a short letter introducing myself to the parents and a questionnaire (which I've tried to upload here if you're interested) that will help me get to know their child.  This year, I have made a Google Form with the same info as the questionnaire.  I'm debating sending parents the link and allowing them to submit the information electronically (I know I prefer typing information instead of writing it).  I've never done that before, and I'm concerned about the security of the information.  I'll have to look into that more.  Have you used Google Forms?  Is there anything I need to do to make it secure?

As I've mentioned before, I'm switching schools next year.  At my new school they select a theme for the year.  This year's theme has to do with building.  Suggestions for class decor include construction and Lego things.  This is NOT easy for this pink and chevron loving girl.  It's hard to make bulldozers and hammers "cutesy".  I made a "Where are We" sign to hang on the door.  

There isn't any pink, chevron, or polka dots, but I think it gets the job done :-)

I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my final "made it".  I mentioned in another post that I'm not positive I'm going to keep the clip chart, and may go to strictly using Class Dojo.  I did make a new clip chart just in case I decide to go that route.  

I have a BUNCH more projects that I'm working on to get ready for the new year, but these are the projects I've completed.  What have YOU made this week?