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Mrs. Jenny Vahrenkamp » About Mrs. Vahrenkamp

About Mrs. Vahrenkamp

 

Welcome to kindergarten! I’m so excited to spend the year with your child and can’t wait to get to know your family.


This will be my 14th year teaching and I’ve spent the last 7 years at UP. Throughout my career I’ve taught in Dallas ISD, Arlington ISD and Birdville ISD. My teaching experience ranges from kindergarten thru second grade. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University. I earned my Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership with a specialization in Autism from Lamar University. I grew up in Bellville, a small town outside of Houston.


I’m the oldest of three siblings. I have a younger sister and brother. My husband Josh and I have been married for 12 years and are proud parents to our four year old daughter Mila, and little sister, Maxwell. In between soccer games and dance classes, my family and I love to travel and explore new restaurants in Dallas.


As an elementary teacher, my goal is to treat each student as if they were my own. The University Park Elementary community is the absolute best and I'm proud of be a UP Panther. I’m so excited to have your child join me this year in kindergarten!

 
 
 

Posts

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

In honor of school starting, I wanted to share this poem with you. Happy reading and welcome to our class! -Mrs. V. 
 
Twas the night before kindergarten and as they prepared, kids were excited and a little bit scared.
 
They tossed and they turned about in their beds, while visions of school supplies danced in their heads.
 
Erasers and crayons and pencils galore were stuffed in their backpacks and set by the door.
 
Outfits were hung in closets with care, knowing that kindergarten soon would be there.
 
In the morning it came, school starts today! Would the teacher be nice? Would they still get to play?
 
Faces were washed, and teeth were brushed white; Kids posed for pictures with eyes sparkling bright.
 
Parents packed snacks and kids hopped in cars As if they were boarding a spaceship to Mars.
 
Some kids brought blankets or their favorite stuffed bear; in hopes they could nap like they did in day care.
 
Their parents exclaimed: "You're big kids. WOW! Let us hold your bears and blankies for now."
 
The parents were worried their children would cry if they left them at school with just a good-bye.
 
So they told their darlings, "If you want, we can stay and make sure that everything will be A-okay."
 
The teacher then greeted each one with a smile, and invited the students to stay for a while.
 
The room was all filled with toys, books, and maps, but where were the beds for midmorning naps?
 
They colored and painted and played Simon Says, then tumbled and skipped and stood on their heads.
 
They sang silly songs from beginning to end. Within just a minute, each kid had a friend.
 
The children were happy. They loved Miss Clare It was she who would show them a great deal of care.
 
When what to her wondering eyes should appear but sad moms and dads who were holding back tears!
 
Their noses so sniffly! Their eyes red and wet!
 
This was the saddest good-bye Miss Clare had seen yet!
 
She gathered the grown-ups on the magical rug, then sent them away after one final hug.
 
The children all waved from the door of the school. "Don't cry Mom and Dad; kindergarten is cool!"

DRESS FOR DOT DAY ON TUESDAY!!!

What: INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY 2015

 

To Do: In celebration of International Dot Day, we are asking all Kindergartners to show their creativity and wear DOTS to school on Tuesday, September 15

 

Wear a polka dot shirt, socks, head band, make a paper bracelet with dots, or simply cover a t-shirt with dot stickers for the day…anything goes!

 

Any questions, let me know!

We read the story "Wemberly Worried," by Kevin Henkes and today we got to paint with WATERCOLORS! (Insert lots of cheering and applause!) :)

Place your Scholastic Book Order!

Dear Parents,

It’s time for another book order.

You can place your Scholastic Book Club orders online.

Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: LJMJ2
Here’s how it works:

  • SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, register by clicking the “Don’t have a user name or password?” link. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code LJMJ2. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
  • SELECT the books you’d like to order.  Choose from thousands of titles, many more than in our monthly flyers.
  • SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child’s books will be delivered directly to my classroom.



You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date, Monday, February 23. 

The online ordering will close Monday at 2:00 p.m.
 

Thanks!

Mrs. Vahrenkamp

Week of 2/2/15 to 2/6/15

What are we learning this week? 

2/2 - 2/6

Word Family: -ick

Sight Words: by, his

In Math we are continuing to work on ADDITION

THIS WEEK AT HOME: Feel free to begin working on your Valentine's Day cards at home. The party will be next Friday, February 13, from 12:15-1:10. Each child will be able to pass out their cards before the party begins.


Please continue to send jackets/hats/gloves when the weather is cold. We will be going to recess as long as weather permits. Bundle up!