Attendance – Daily attendance is necessary to have a successful first grade experience. Our day begins promptly at 8:40 and the dismissal time is 3:30. Please make sure you have your child is at school on time every day, unless he/she is sick. If your child is going to be out, please call the school to let them know why your child is out..
Backpack – Your child needs a book bag for transporting folder, books, etc. to and from school.
Curriculum-
Reading- Reader's Workshop, Orton Gillingham
Social Studies- Scott Foresman. Lakeshore
Cookies/Cupcakes – If you would like to send in cookies or cupcakes for your child’s birthday, please be aware that we have children with food allergies. Items with labels and/or ingredients is appreciated. Healthy snacks are encouraged.
Discipline – Good conduct is vital for optimal learning in first and second grade! We begin to learn the school rules on the very first day of school. After the first week and orientation I will implement our behavior plan.
E-mail – If you need to reach me at school, you can e-mail me at [email protected]. I check my e-mail periodically throughout the day.
Folders – Please return your child’s folder each day. This plastic folder is for papers or forms that need to go home or be returned to school. All money should be in a Ziploc bag/envelope clearly labeled indicating what it is to be used for.
Homework – We have homework almost every night, except weekends. This homework is meant to reinforce what your child is learning in the classroom. Please let me know if your child struggled on homework; so, I can reteach the concept. Homework should take no longer than 20 minutes. If you ever have a question about your child’s homework, please feel free to give me a call or send me an e-mail.
Illnesses – If your child is sick, please keep him/her home. We love to share in first grade, but we don’t want to share our germs. Please don’t forget to send in a written excuse on your child’s first day back at school.
Journals – We will begin journal writing on the first day of school. By the end of the year, you will be amazed at the stories your child will be able to write on his/her own.
Library – We are scheduled to visit the library twice a week. Miss McCorristin will go over routines for taking out books.
Medicine – If your child requires medicine to be taken at school, it must be taken to the nurse in its original container. No medicine will be given to your child without your permission. Cough drops need to be given by the nurse as well!
News- Any last minute news will be sent to your personal DOJO. Also check your child's folder for announcements.
Outside time (Recess) – Your child will go outside each day for recess (weather permitting), throughout the year. Please make sure you dress your child appropriately, as the weather changes. Your child may also keep an extra sweater or sweatshirt in their cubby at school .
Parties – We will have some special celebrations this year. A homeroom parent will contact you when supplies are needed.
Questions- If you ever have any questions about our program, please feel free to either call or e-mail me. I will get back to you as soon as possible. I will always try to respond in a timely manner. Email is the best way to contact me!
Reading – It is my goal for every child to leave my class reading and writing fluently this year. We may be at different levels- but we should all be reading and writing independently! We will be working hard every day, and you can help so much by reading to your child every night.
Snacks –Your child will be provided time for a snack mid-morning. Please try to send healthy snacks that are convenient for your child to eat. There is a water fountain in our room.
Toys – Please don’t allow your child to bring toys to school. These can become a distraction in our classroom and are often misplaced.
Web site – Visit our classroom website through the school’s web site. I try very hard to keep the information and announcements current. Please let me know if there is something extra that you would like for me to post on the web site.
Excitement – It does not actually begin with an x, but there is definitely plenty of excitement in Bearadise!!!!
Year – Your child’s early years should be a time they will always remember fondly and one that makes them love to learn. Please remember to always contact me if you ever need anything.
ZZZ’s – Please make sure your child goes to bed early each night. We have such a busy day!!