FYI contains information that might be of interest to you. There are many topics that are addressed, hopefully some of your questions about first grade will be answered here. Please feel free to email me as things come up.
Homework
I often send home math worksheets for homework. These worksheets are part of our math program. They focus on the skills and concepts that we are currently working on. The worksheets help children to better understand what we are doing in the classroom. I will send the homework home in the red tote, this will be clearly marked as homework - with a HW in the upper right hand corner. Any homework that is sent home in the tote should be returned within one week. I will correct it and send it back home to you. Thanks for your help! If you are anxious to do something additional with your child at home, then read to him or her. Research has shown that this is a wise practice. Children who are read to on a regular basis usually learn how to read more quickly than children who are not read to.
Birthdays
On birthdays I give each child a pencil and a gently used book. Summer birthdays are recognized at the end of the school year. We are asking that you do not bring in any birthday cupcakes or treats. Concerns regarding allergies and unhealthy snacks have become an issue in our district. Also, please don’t ask me to pass out party invitations unless each student is invited. I do not want anyone's feelings hurt. Thanks for your understanding in this.
Volunteering
You are welcome and needed to volunteer in the classroom! If you have the time and desire to volunteer, please speak with me. I usually have a parent help out each day from 10:20 until lunch. At 10:20 we are finishing snack and getting ready for our literacy block. It is very helpful when parents are able to make a consistent commitment when volunteering. So look at your schedules and think about what is best for you! Often a parent will select the same one morning each week. If once a week is too much for you, consider coming in every other week. Volunteering is fun and gives you a chance to see what your child is doing in school. I hope you will consider helping out!
Star Student
Star student is a time to celebrate all the unique qualities that makes each child special. In Kindergarten each child had an opportunity to bring in a poster with pictures of themselves. In first grade, the process is a little different. I will select two students each month and the class will ask them about their favorite things. Their list of favorites will be included in the newsletter. I will also include a story, poem, or drawing of their creation. The children all look forward to being the star student!
Book Orders
Once a month I will be sending home book orders. If you would like to purchase books for your child, just send in the money and the form by the required date. The date will be noted in the newsletter, which the form will be stapled to. These books are usually inexpensive and the classroom earns free books from the company.
Classroom Books
Throughout the year I will be taking pictures of the children. I make classroom books with these pictures. These books will go home with the students for one night at a time. It is a wonderful literacy experience to read the book with your child. At the end of the year each child will get a book or poster of the pictures. So please handle the books gently when they come home.
Bringing Toys to School
A few children like to bring toys to school. In the past toys have been lost or broken, it is because of this that toys are not allowed to be brought to school. Thanks for your understanding and help with this.
Behavior
The first few weeks of school will be spent on building a safe and respectful environment. To help prevent problems before they arise, we will start off the year learning how to act in a group, knowing the difference between good and bad choices, and understanding the consequences of those choices. As a group we will learn these rules of the classroom: 1. Follow adult directions the first time. 2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on. 4. Get permission before leaving the room. 5. Use only kind words. I encourage children to do their best and I use lots of positive reinforcement. If for some reason, a child breaks a rule, pre-established consequences will take place. These consequences range from taking a time out, losing a privilege, calling you, or notifying the principal. All consequences will be carried out in a caring but no nonsense manner.
