Welcome to First Grade! August 9th, 2017 Dear first grade families, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop into our learning lab! I am overjoyed to be teaching an incredible group of first graders at Innovation Academy this year and am looking forward to the learning adventures we will share together! I know you probably have many questions about 1st grade, our classroom, our school, and me. I have included important information to ensure a smooth first day of school. Many other questions and concerns will be addressed on the K-2 Parent night which is Monday, August 28th from 6:00-7:30pm. Before you leave today: School supplies: If you were able to purchase school supplies, please place them on the long counter. We participate in communal supplies because it helps us grow as a classroom community and it also reduces the amount of time we spend on transitions-leaving more time for awesome learning! Take-Home Folders Please be sure to take the folder with your child’s name on it when you get to the “Student Information Station.” There are important papers inside that need to be completed and returned to school A.S.A.P. Say hi to me and explore our new learning environment Morning Routine: Students may play on the playground when the gates open at 8:30. Starting Friday, students will place their backpacks on the ground outside of our exterior door. When the 9:00 bell rings, students will meet me at the tile on the playground that says “3” and we will walk to our classroom together. If you are running late and miss the bell, it is imperative that you stop in the office and sign your child in. Lunch/ Snacks/ water bottles: First grade lunch is from 11:15-11:35 followed by recess until 11:55am. Students are encouraged to pack an additional snack for our afternoon break. They should also bring a labeled water bottle to school daily. We have water fountains that students can use to refill them throughout the day.

Homework/ homework folders We will be using the Innovation Academy folders for paper communication, student work, and unfinished classwork. : Students should keep the folder inside of their backpack daily. I will be posting our homework menu and newsletter on the class website and also sending out weekly emails in an attempt to reduce our paper use. If you would prefer me to print it for you, please just let me know! School Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00-3:30pm (first bell rings at 9:00am) Tuesday: Early-out-Dismissal at 1:30pm. Specialist Schedule: (12:30-1:20 daily) Monday: Music Tuesday :PE (wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothes) Wednesday: Library Thursday: Art Friday: Computers Communication: I believe strongly that the key to your child’s success in school is having the parents, teacher, and student working together as a team. Part of being a strong team is open and consistent communication. Please feel free to send or email or call if you have any questions or concerns. For now, the best source of information will be found in the weekly emails I will send out which will include information about what is happening within our class and at school. Please make sure that I have your most up-to-date email address and let me know if you have family members who wish to be included in the email distribution list for our class. (if you are unable to receive email, please let me know!) Classroom phone number: (520) 269-4633 Front office: (520) 269-4610 Email Address: dswartz@amphi.com Class Dojo: classdojo.com (log-in information can be found in take-home-folders) Again, thank you for stopping in today! This year promises to be an incredible opportunity for everyone at Innovation and I can’t wait to start working with you and your wonderful child! Hopefully I will see you again in a few weeks at our parent information night and at our community open house on the 19th. Sincerely, Mrs. Danielle Swartz