Bunnell University Student Pledge
I am a Respectful Reagan Scholar
Attending Bunnell University.
I promise to:
 Always use my manners
 Take responsibility for my actions
 Do my personal best at all times
 Be a cooperative and helpful person at school,
in my community, and at home
Bunnell University Teacher Pledge
I am a Respectful Reagan Teacher
Leading Thinking and Learning at
Bunnell University.
I promise to:
 Present curriculum that challenges scholars to
think critically and solve real-life problems
 Emphasize deep understanding of important
concepts and strategies
 Engage in a variety of best teaching practices
including the daily use of technology
 Make connections across disciplines and plan
interesting learning activities
BUNNELL UNIVERSITY
Daily Learning Schedule
7:45
English Language Development or 100 Mile
8:20
Language Arts - Reader's Workshop
9:20
Phonics/Word Work
9:45
RECESS
10:00
Mathematics - Math Workshop
11:00
LUNCH
11:45
Writing - Writer’s Workshop
12:50
RECESS
1:05
Social Studies or Science
1:35
Guided Reading with Indep Writing/Reading
2:10
Dismissal
* Library/Computers on _____________________
* Big Buddies (To be determined)
UNIVERSITY THEME
The scholars at Bunnell University will be learning how
to set goals for the future. One goal we talk a great deal about is
attending a four-year college. We will begin to learn about
universities, what they are, how they operate, and how our years at
Reagan and beyond prepare us for success. Each month we will
spotlight certain topics related to this university focus. Ask your
young scholar throughout the year what they are learning and
planning for the future. Check back on our website under the
“University Theme” tab to learn what we are
studying. GO SCHOLARS!!
DONATE A UNIVERSITY PENNANT FROM
THE COLLEGE YOU ATTENDED. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
July Focus:
What is a scholar and how does a scholar act?
What is a university? What synonyms can be used for “university”?
Why do we call our classroom Bunnell University?
Mrs. Bunnell’s Goal:
My goal is to provide an inspirational environment
where SCHOLARS become independent
and sophisticated thinkers, coherent
writers, confident speakers, and
avid readers as they prepare
for college, careers,
and citizenship.
LEAD SCHOLARS
A lead scholar is someone who demonstrates
our university pledge and is trying especially
hard to learn. Each day two lead scholars are
selected for the classroom.
This is a HUGE PRIVILEGE.
L E A D
S C H O L A R S
When you are the lead scholar you select a lead scholar
ribbon to wear the entire day all around our campus. The lead
scholar keeps this handmade ribbon and collects them at home. The
lead scholars direct the class and teacher in various tasks. They
will also record their name on our PREVIOUS LEAD
SCHOLAR chart and Mrs. Bunnell will recognize
them on the webpage under the tab “LEAD SCHOLARS.”
Please make a big deal at home when your child brings
one of these ribbons back from school.
Congratulations scholars!
SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Trimester One:
 Joining and Learning About Starbooks Cafe Book
Club
 Learning and Playing Learnball
 Reading “Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success”
 Learning About Background Knowledge
 Creating a Vibrant Learning Environment
 Using Technology on a Regular Basis
 Choosing Appropriate Texts to Read
 Understanding Blending and Segmenting
 Borrowing Science and Social Studies Textbooks
 Expanding Our Knowledge about Numbers
 Celebrating Teamwork (University Teams)
 Learning About Addition and Subtraction
 Checking Out Books From The Library
 Using Writer’s Notebooks
 Conducting Science Inquiries
 Finding Out About The Community That We Live
 Learning and Practicing Reading Strategies
 Practicing our Conversational Skills
 Learning about Universities
 Reading and Writing about Many Different Topics
 Practicing the Bunnell University Pledge
 Reading on Raz-Kids at Home and in School
 Enjoying Family Guest Readers Coming to Class
 Having a Blast Learning
BEST TEACHING PRACTICES
Our first grade focus this year is reading and writing across all the
content areas. We will be reading and writing both fiction and
nonfiction texts. The scholars at Bunnell University will be taught
using researched best teaching practices. The names of these
practices are:
Reading Aloud (Teacher Reads to Scholars Modeling Reading
Behaviors)
Shared Reading (Teacher and Scholars Reading Together)
Small Group Reading (Guiding Scholars as They Read)
 Guided Reading
 Reciprocal Teaching (The beginning stages)
 Book Clubs (For those above grade level)
Independent Reading (Scholars Choose Texts and Practice Reading)
Modeled Writing (Teacher Writes for Scholars Modeling Writing
Behaviors)
Interactive Writing (Teacher and Scholars Share the Pen)
Interactive Editing (Teacher and Scholars Share the Pen)
Independent Writing (Scholars Write on Topics of Their Choice and
Given Prompts)
Oral Presentations (Scholars Learn How to Speak About Their
Learning)
Mathematical and Scientific Investigations
Literacy Centers: Scholars Choose Meaningful Independent Work
SCHOLAR TOOLS FOR LEARNING
As you know, school budgets and teacher budgets are extremely tight
this year. If possible, please provide your young scholar with the
following materials for the school year by Friday, July 10, 2015:
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24 No. 2 pencils
1 Student scissor
1 Package of Glue Sticks
1 Ream of WHITE copy paper (A ream is 500 sheets)
1 Ream of COLORED copy paper
A regular sized backpack (non-rolling)
(Pencils, glue sticks and copy paper will be pooled together for the class to
have access to during the year. If you are unable to purchase these items,
please send Mrs. Bunnell a note.)
MRS. BUNNELL WILL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING
LEARNING TOOLS:
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A Fabric-Covered Writer’s Notebook
Green Shared Reading Folder
Owl Folder or School Wrangler Folder For Home
Communication
Lead Scholar Ribbons (When chosen)
Box of 16 Crayons
Starbooks Cafe Reading at Home Folder
Start-Up Kit for Starbooks Cafe (Reading at Home)
AWARDS DURING THE YEAR
It is important to recognize scholars that are putting forth a strong
effort to learn and upholding the University Pledge. We will have
daily, weekly, and monthly awards. It is my intention to recognize all
scholars throughout the year, for their strengths, as well as
improvements.
Here is a list of awards:
CLASSROOM DAILY:
- Two scholars will be recognized as LEAD SCHOLARS each day
and receive a handmade ribbon to wear and keep. These scholars
do special tasks for the teacher and others on that day.
CLASSROOM WEEKLY:
- Two scholars a week will be recognized for their efforts to follow our
Pyramid of Success. This is an award titled, “My Personal Best.”
CLASSROOM MONTHLY:
- Scholars who are on time and never absent each month will receive
an Attendance Award.
SCHOOL TRIMESTER:
- Students will be chosen each trimester to receive awards in the
multipurpose room. The awards are still being determined at this
time. Please know that there will be a limited numbers of possible
awards and not every scholar will receive one.
SWEET SIXTEEN
A Scholar’s Journey To Success “The Sweet Sixteen"
Expand
Our
Vocabulary
Participate In
Active/Reflective
Reading
Compile
Helpful
Notes
Write
Concise
Summaries
Ask/Answer
Questions
Intelligently
Plan/Compose
Informational
Writing
Explain Our
Thinking
Metacognition
Focus Behaviors
Toward
Learning
Collaborate
With Others
On
Special
Projects
Research
A Topic
Design A Report
Give Speeches
Participate In
Conversations On
A Variety of
Topics
Use
Technological
Skills
Appropriately
Improve Work
Using Editing
and
Revising
Create Different
Types Of
Narratives
Set Reasonable
Yet Motivating
Learning Goals
Treat Others
And Myself
With Respect
© Karen Bunnell
Scholars at Bunnell University set monthly goals related to
the sixteen skills in the chart above. We know our efforts
to improve in these areas throughout our K-12 school
years are necessary to become a successful learner. We
are all certainly aiming for high school graduation and
beyond!!!
What is Starbooks Cafe Book Club?
READING is the most important subject in school.
In order to master most of the other subjects, your child
needs to become a proficient reader. Across the globe,
those children who read the most read the best.
Starbooks Cafe is Bunnell University’s reading club
that will not only connect learning at school to learning at
home but also ensure that your child will visit “reading” on
a daily basis. Most people do things over and over again
that they enjoy. The goal of the book club is to build a
pleasant (stress-free) habit of reading at home and school.
But what about the practice and development of a
work ethic that homework builds in children? My answer
is that the problem with this thinking is that homework
becomes a way to practice being a worker. I want our
reading at home program to help your young scholar
practice being a thinker and find fascination in learning
and talking about that learning.
Ideas and thinking are highly valued at Bunnell
University. I promise to read extensively as a professional
and share some of my learning throughout the year with
your family. We will also have Family Starbooks Days at
school where you will learn other tips and strategies on
how to read with your child at home.
* “Students who read widely and frequently are higher achievers than
students who read rarely and narrowly.” (Scholastic)
BUNNELL UNIVERSITY TRADITION
Bunnell University has established a tradition of 100% support for
our School PTA. PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. Every
year the scholars and their families at Bunnell University ALL
support our PTA by becoming a member. It is only a small $6.00
to join the PTA. There is no obligation on your part to attend or do
anything once you become a member. The $6.00 goes directly to our
school to support educational programs for our children. Here is a
short list of some of the support our PTA has provided:
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PTA has gifted monies for school technology
PTA has given monies for 100 Mile Club shirts for needy
students
PTA has contributed monies towards our ArtSmarts lessons
PTA has provided monies for educational assemblies and
family nights
PTA has provided monies for earthquake supplies
PTA has donated monies for Red Ribbon Week
PTA has contributed to so, so much!!!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE JOIN OUR PTA!**
** If you would like to donate money toward a needy student’s
membership, please place the money in an envelope and mark
PTA GIFT MEMBERSHIP on the outside. We will use it to
maintain our 100% support of our outstanding PTA!!!
WATER, SNACKS, LUNCH, and 100 MILE CLUB
 Brains need water, so it is important that your child be
permitted to bring a water bottle to school. Reusable
containers are best. Scholars may drink water when needed
in the classroom and the containers can be filled at recess
and lunch time.
 20% of children aged 3 -19 are obese. Please, please send
healthy snacks for your child. When sending a snack for
recess time, the snack should be for your child ONLY. No
large bags of any type of chips or candy are allowed.
 All scholars must have a lunch every day. Lunch applications
are available from our cafeteria or you may pack a lunch for
your child. If your child forgets a lunch or lunch money, we
have a class jar to pull money from for that day. The amount
of money taken should be replaced the next day so other
scholars have access to the fund when needed.
 We will be participating in the 100 Mile Club on a daily basis.
Your child needs closed-toed athletic shoes each day or may
store a pair in our classroom. Our goal is to have 100% of
our class complete 100 miles by the end of the year. We will
be determining the time for this activity in the first week of
school. Most likely, the early mornings will be best during the
summer months.
 Please notify Mrs. Bunnell of allergies, health alerts, or any
other medical information you feel is necessary related to
your child.
NON-NEGOTIABLES
Here are a few non-negotiables related to Bunnell University:
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Scholars must be in the classroom by the second bell. If they
are walking to the classroom and the bell rings they are tardy.
(We begin learning right at 7:45 a.m. sharp!)
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Attendance is mandatory unless your son or daughter is ill. I
do not miss days either (“knock on wood”). If your child is
truly ill, please phone the school office so the absence is
noted as excused.
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Respective behavior in the classroom and on the yard is
expected by all scholars (University Pledge).
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Scholars move about the halls without talking as to not
disturb others working in their rooms.
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We do not have homework. Bunnell University scholars
participate in a Daily Reading at Home Program called
Starbooks Cafe Book Club. This club is connected to our
classroom learning throughout the year.
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All grade-level scholars participate in the 100 Mile Club
unless there is a medical issue or note from a parent.
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Scholars are expected to take care of their school materials
including textbooks. Those materials lost or destroyed must
be replaced by the parent.
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Any word or act that makes another scholar feel inferior or
hurt will be regarded as bullying. The school district has a
NO BULLYING POLICY. Bullying issues go directly to the
assistant principal or principal.
IMPORTANT DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Monday, July 6, 2015
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Thursday, July 10, 2015 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Parent Information Night
Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 Student Minimum Day-Dismissal at 11:39 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 7- Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 OFF TRACK
Week of Oct. 19 - 23, 2015 Parent-Scholar-Teacher Conferences
(Students are dismissed every day at 11:39 a.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 - Veteran's Day - NO SCHOOL
Monday, Nov. 23 - Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 Student Minimum Day-Dismissal at 11:39 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 - Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 OFF TRACK
Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL
Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 100th Day of School
Monday, Feb. 15, 2016 HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Minimum Day-Dismissal at 11:39 a.m.
Wednesday, April 27 - Sunday, May 25, 2016 OFF TRACK
Monday, May 30, 2016 HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL
Friday, June 24, 2016 11:39 a.m. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (Minimum Day)
CONTACTING MRS. BUNNELL
Here are the best ways to contact me:
1. Every morning in person or via the phone from
7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Please check in at the
office to receive a Visitor’s Pass.
2. Email anytime kbunnell@cnusd.k12.ca.us I try to
respond that same day.
3. Every day after school in person or via the phone
from 2:10 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
4. Send a note or email and I will reply that day or the
next day.
5. Set up an appointment anytime as long as I have
a couple of days notice.
The Pyramid of Success
Scholars are working toward our Personal Best every day!
Character Traits from Coach John Wooden
Hard Work
Friendship
Loyalty
Cooperation
Enthusiasm
Self-Control
Alertness
Action
Determination
Fitness
Skill
Team Spirit
Poise
Confidence