FAQ
Is your question not listed here? Please see J2 Welcome Letter or contact us.
How do you pronounce your name?
Mrs. Cotham
CAW-thum Caw - like a crow, Thumb- like 'thumbs up!' Mrs. Buchanan Byoo-CAN-un More about Mrs. Cotham
My family and I live in Honolulu. I am a mother to a 3rd grader at Hale Kula. It feels like just yesterday he was starting kindergarten. I can't believe how big my son has grown!
This school year will be my 8th year teaching 1st grade. I love teaching. It can be hard work, but every day there is something new to appreciate about my job. When I was 8 years old I knew I wanted to work with kids. I was the neighborhood mother hen for the smaller kids. I love the color teal. I can happily eat pasta every day. There's no such thing as too much coffee for me. My current favorite TV show is Agents of SHIELD. More about Mrs. Buchanan
TBA
What is in my child's backpack?
1. SPIN - where your child copies down the day's homework assignments and records his/her behavior light for the day (green, yellow, red)
- any notes to the teacher should be placed in the SPIN, not the homework folder 2. Spelling Book - where your child copies the weekly spelling words and daily spelling assignment - they are to write the words clearly and get my approval before taking it home 3. Homework Folder - where your child's reading, math, science, or social studies homework are kept. (*note: there should be two pockets in each folder. The left pocket is for items that need to be returned (incomplete homework, important class forms). The right pocket is for items that may be kept at home. Please empty the right pocket regularly.) 4. Wednesday Folders - Blue folder that is sent home every Wednesday that will contain any flyers, school wide announcements and important forms, field trip permission slips, and report cards. - Please sign and return by Friday of every week Where can I view your discipline policy?
Please see the welcome letter I sent home when your child first arrived at J2. If you no longer have the hardcopy, you can download a copy from P11 website homepage.
PeanutsEvery year it seems that we have a handful of students in my class or within the grade level with peanut allergies ranging from mild (itchiness) to very severe (needing to carry and epi pen at all times). To prevent any serious allergic reactions in our students we ask that you please refrain from sending peanut related snacks and lunches to school. No peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or peanut butter crackers, please! Thank you!
If you absolutely must send peanuts or peanut butter for snack or lunch I will try my best to accommodate your child while keeping children with allergies safe as well. |
What is the best way to contact you?
I've found that I'm able to best keep in contact with parents and families via a student's SPIN. I will check your child's SPIN (student parent information notebook) daily. Otherwise, the second most reliable way is to see me after school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. Email is the next best way to contact both Mrs. Buchanan and I
If there is an issue that needs immediate attention (emergencies) call the Hale Kula office at 304-3500. The wonderful ladies of the office will put you in contact with me. Can we bring birthday treats?
Yes! Time will be set aside to celebrate your child on their special day near the end of the day or at recess.
Treats may be brought if you so choose. Please let me know in advance if you plan to do so. Federal guidelines suggest that parents bring in items with reduced sugar and salt - although cupcakes seem to be the most often brought treat. We will usually share treats and a birthday song 10 minutes before dismissal. Recess time birthday song and treats are acceptable, too. Summer or holiday birthdays may be celebrated on the student's half birthday or a date of your choice-please notify the teacher. What can I do to be a chaperone for my child's field trip?
The first thing you will need to do is to take the Chaperone Training Course offered at Hale Kula (Room P14). They will teach you Hale Kula's field trip policies and schoolwide rules. You can inquire at the office when the next class is.
Once you have registered as having taken the course for P11, you can volunteer on your child's permission form. I usually take parent chaperones as first come, first serve, however, I try to make sure that all parents who would like to chaperone get at least one turn this during the school year depending on how many field trips we have. How do I volunteer in my child's classroom?
Ask Mrs. Cotham! We can always use extra hands!
Send a note in your child's SPIN, call, email, or skywrite. [email protected] or 622-6380 How many students are in your class?
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