Welcome: We would like to welcome you to first grade Welcome:  We would like to welcome you to first grade!  We have a busy but fun-filled year planned for your children.  We want to take this opportunity to give you an overview of skills and procedures your child will embrace this year.  Please keep in mind that circumstances change and we must remain flexible.  Therefore, all the information provided is subject to revision.  Remember that although there are many expectations, they are still children.

English, Language Arts, Reading Students learn comprehension strategies which helps them make sense of what they are reading.  Students will read with understanding and fluency in various genres.  Language Arts concepts will give students an understanding of grammar and sentence structure along with spelling patterns.

Math Students will demonstrate their ever-growing knowledge by applying math in everyday situations.  Students will demonstrate fluency of math facts and utilize problem solving and reasoning strategies.

Science and Social Studies Students will learn and apply the scientific method to conduct a variety of investigations and experiments to learn about our natural world.  Students will become knowledgeable, global citizens through the study of geography, celebrations, people, and history.

Arrival Bell rings at 7:35 a.m. Students are tardy if they are not in the room by 7:45 a.m.  Instruction begins at this point, so it is imperative that the children arrive on time.  Supervision in the cafeteria is available beginning at 7:15 a.m. Breakfast is provided to all students free of charge.  Parents are asked not to walk the child to the room.  Your child should be beginning to assume certain responsibilities, so please allow him/her to do so.  Children are not allowed in the main hallways or classrooms prior to 7:35 a.m. and are expected to be in the cafeteria at the assigned tables.

Parents entering the building for any reason must wear a name tag from the front office.

Communication Please email all three teachers when: Your child is absent (ahead of time if you know) Your child will miss part of the day (doctor, etc.) Fall/Spring conferences will be coming. Please email if additional conferences are needed. Mrs. Reese has set up a first grade site on Shutterfly to help keep you informed.

Going Home Please email your child’s homeroom teacher by 10:45 am if your child will be going home a different way. If you do not receive confirmation, please call the office and ask that they page us.

Sending Money When sending money to school for lunch, field trips, etc., please send it in a Ziploc bag or sealed envelope with the student’s name on it. It is hard to determine who sent money when everyone is putting it in the same basket. Please send the correct amount. We cannot give change. Any amount over the needed amount will be donated to the school.

Eating We eat lunch in the cafeteria from 10:40 – 11:10. Your child may bring a lunch or buy lunch (money on lunch card). You are welcome (and encouraged) to join your child for lunch. Please pack a small snack (can be eaten in 5 minutes) for the afternoon. Students may not share snacks due to allergies.

Dress Code Students are expected to follow the school dress code as outlined in the student planner. Feel free to send a light jacket or sweater for your child to keep in their locker. Please send a change of clothes in a labeled Ziploc to keep in the locker. It is a good idea for your child to wear sneakers and bring a labeled water bottle on PE days. Girls should wear shorts under their dresses so they can play at recess.

Homework Due at the beginning of class. Five points off per day if HW is late, with a zero after two days. Student will write in the planner daily and teacher will stamp (also on websites). HW should be practice work that the student can do independently.

Homework Schedule Monday: ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) Tuesday: ELAR Wednesday: Math Thursday: Science/SS (Social Studies) Friday: No homework except for special projects Nightly: Read for 20 mins. and complete reading log (to be turned in for a grade at the end of the month); practice math facts.

Folders Planner and Homework folder come to school each day and go home each day. Communication folders contain school-wide information. Communications may be online as the school tries to use less paper. Red Graded Work folders go home on Fridays. Please sign and return on Mondays. Grades can be accessed through the Students and Parents section on the portal at www.houstonisd.org .

Conduct All students will be given a conduct grade of E, S, P, or U weekly based on behavior. Please encourage your child to make smart choices. We are working on showing responsibility and following directions quickly. Please practice these skills at home to help your student do a great job at school. Our class rules are to follow directions quickly, raise your hand before you speak, make smart choices, make your dear teacher happy, hands, body and objects to yourself, and to be kind.

Core Enrichment Students attend a daily core enrichment class. These include:  Art  Computer  Music  Physical Education (PE)  Sign Language Additionally, students visit the library once a week.

Birthdays Please let us know if you will be sending snacks for your child’s birthday. Snacks may only include: store-bought cookies or doughnuts, and water/juice for your child’s homeroom only. No cupcakes please! Parents are asked not to send additional treats or goody bags.

Scholastic Book Orders Book order forms will be sent home monthly. Buying books is optional; however the class receives free books based on orders. Methods of ordering books include: order books online (best way) send one check (payable to Scholastic) Codes are found on the teacher’s websites.

Volunteers Opportunities will include:  room parents  field trip chaperones  Mystery readers  special guests All volunteers must be cleared through HISD; please sign up at http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/90800. Volunteers and chaperones are encouraged to wear the tie-dyed Rogers shirt. Chaperones are there to actively supervise students (no siblings). Also, students are not allowed to leave from the field trip.

PTO Membership We encourage you to become active in our Rogers PTO! Membership is only $10. The organization provides many parent involvement activities to support the students, teachers, and the school.

Contact Information Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher regarding any questions you might have at 713-917-3565 (leave a message) or by email at: Mrs. Graves: elyse.graves@houstonisd.org Ms. Hilderman: mhilderm@houstonisd.org Mrs. Lambert: dlambert@houstonisd.org

Questions? Concerns? Please don’t hesitate to email us with any questions or concerns. We want you to be informed and feel comfortable with expectations and procedures for first grade!

Welcome! We are so excited you are here and are looking forward to a fantastic year!!!