Harcourt reading series: this series has all the necessary components of a great language arts program. 

For spelling practice during the day, the students access their spelling list via the internet to play a game through the Harcourt reading series. The children seem to really enjoy this way of studying

The school district uses the resources of the michigan.gov website to teach social studies. I planned the first social studies unit of the year based on communities from this site. Here is one lesson plan I adapted to use in my classroom. This was a very good starting point for me when working on lessons for social studies. I was able to see exactly what the standards and benchmarks are. I was able to take what was expected and adapt to my class. 

Our class had a visit with the Ferndale Fire Department when they came out to our school for a smoke house visit during Fire Prevention Week. 

I attended the Welcome Back to School Ice Cream Social (very similar to an Open House) and the Fall Festival. I felt this was important because I was able to interact with the students and parents on a different level, a more social level. I feel this is very important, it helps your students see that you are a real person.