Welcome!

Our Weekly Specials Monday: Music Tuesday: Media Wednesday: Character Education Thursday: Art Friday: Gym (wear sneakers!)

Unfinished Classwork will be sent home for homework (Unf. CW) Monday: Phonics and Math Tuesday: Phonics/Reading and Math Wednesday and Thursday: Language Arts and Math Friday:  Please check homework and if necessary, review any corrections that need to be made. MEDLC staff does not correct homework  Homework should be correct when handed in Unfinished Classwork will be sent home for homework (Unf. CW)

Homework Planner The homework planner will be used to write daily homework and weekly spelling words. *******Please check it nightly.******* Please do not write notes in the planner. Please put notes on a separate paper or email me.

Reading Reading is a priority in first grade!! Students should be reading at home every day. This is necessary to build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills, and of course, it’s FUN! Our reading time consists of shared reading (whole group), guided reading, read-alouds, response to literature, and independent reading. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards emphasize the comprehension of non-fiction text. http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/

Let’s rack up those minutes! Reading Record Your child should be reading outside of school as much as possible. The purpose of the Reading Record is to encourage reading outside of school. Here is how it works! You will help your child keep track of how many minutes they read on the Reading Record form. For each hour the student spends reading, a sticker will be earned on their All-Star Reading Record chart. For every ten stars earned, a reward will be given! When your child has read for 60 minutes, they submit the form and take an empty one. Do not put more than 60 minutes on each page. Let’s rack up those minutes!

Fundations! Fundations is a phonics program that the students are familiar with from Kindergarten. Phonics words are derived from the current Fundations unit The goal is the application of phonics skills (not the memorization of words)

Writing Writing Workshop by Lucy Caulkins Main Units include: Narrative writing, Informative writing, and Opinion writing This program is designed to help students become more independent writers and help them develop their voice. This program will be the basis of our writing instruction, with modifications and additions made as needed to adhere to NJ Student Learning standards and students’ needs. Most writing will be kept in school (for revision work) until the end of a unit at which time it will be sent home. Feel free to ask your child about what they are writing at any time!

Math Envision is our math program Practice math facts!! (This can’t be stressed enough! You’ll thank me!) Topics include….. Understanding Addition and Subtraction (up to 12 then 20) Five and Ten Relationships Counting and Number Patterns to 120 Tens and Ones Comparing and Ordering Numbers to 100 Adding and Subtracting with Tens and Ones Length and Indirect Measurement Time Data Analysis Geometry and Fractions

Science and Social Studies Science Areas of Study: The scientific method, senses, states of matter, climate, plants, animals, light and shadow, habitats, force and motion, simple machines STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) activities and lessons Social Studies Areas of Study: map skills, community/local government, citizenship, family, diverse cultures, famous leaders and significant historical figures

A Note About Birthdays… Class Lists: Please consult the Office. Distribution of invitations in class is not permitted unless there is an invitation for every student in the class. Only one treat will be served, please nothing complicated. Consider bringing in fruit, or pencils etc. and/or the birthday person’s favorite book to read. Please send in a practical treat that is CUT and ready to serve if needed. I do not play with fire….. please, no candles!

Other Important Information I assume you see all the papers in your child’s folder. Please check/empty the folder daily. Please review papers that come home with your child. Only return papers if requested. Phonics quizzes are given on Fridays (unless otherwise noted) and all other assessments are not announced. Please do not email me dismissal changes after 7:45am. Please call the office and they will notify me of any changes.

Behavior We are a team of learners and must work together to help each other make good choices and learn from mistakes! Behavior magnets move up and down during the day Positive behavior earns a variety of rewards and privileges Undesirable behavior results in a loss of privileges and, if necessary, contact home

You, the parent, are the most important person in your child’s education. Please encourage your child to read as much as possible. Also, don’t forget those math facts! Please check the homework and review classwork daily. Together we can make this a successful year of learning!

Thank You! Thank you for sharing your children with me! Questions right after this … Email: jenna.amodeo@montville.net

Please take the last few minutes to…. Write a note back to your child Ask questions Look around the room THANK YOU!!