Welcome to Back to School Night Mrs. Garrahan Room B7 Grade 1

Meet Mrs. Garrahan I live locally with my husband and two beautiful children. 2004 West Chester 2007 Arcadia Graduate Graduate with BSED with a MSED with special education cert. In addition to my master’s degree, I have also earned 40 post graduate credits. I have had the pleasure of teaching several grade levels including Autistic Support within the district.

My Family

Reading/Language Arts Journeys - focus on guided reading and skill based instruction. 6 Units Whole Group, Small Group, Independent Instruction Instructional Centers Weekly/Bi-Weekly Assessments

High Frequency Words A ring and first set of cards will be sent home tonight. A new set will be sent with each lesson. Practice Nightly Tested Periodically

Writing Five Step Writing Process Graphic Organizers Grammar imbedded into the Journeys program

Math Everyday Math - A problem-solving approach based on everyday situations - A variety of formats for frequent practice of basic skills - An instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly - A curriculum that explores mathematical content beyond basic arithmetic

Everyday Math Website Can be accessed using http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/school/f8i0 Each child has own username & password on back of folder. Can use this to practice facts, play games taught in class.

Social Studies Our Community and Beyond Good Citizens Where We Live Beginning Economics People and Traditions

**Marking periods 1 & 2 only! Science FOSS Science Kits **Marking periods 1 & 2 only! Primary topics 1. Air and Weather 2. Seeds and New Plants

Homework Guidelines Homework is based on what is being taught in class that day. Spelling homework goes along with the reading lesson. Math homework follows the lessons in class.

Reading Homework Weekly reading log. Children write book titles. Please initial and check how your child read. (see log)

Spelling Homework Based on the reading lesson. In the beginning, some lessons will take longer. Therefore, some weeks there will be no spelling homework.

Math Homework Follows the lessons completed in class. Some lessons may need two days. Therefore, some nights there will be no Math homework. Please do a lesson a night unless the book does not come home. I will send an email to keep you up on the lessons.

Daily Communication/Test Folders Each night your child will bring home a black homework folder. Every Wednesday, if there are papers from the office, the Wednesday Express will come home. In addition, there will be a tests in the envelope. Please look through the weekly tests, sign each test, and return this and the Wednesday Express envelope on Thursday.

Schedule We are on a 12-day schedule. It is broken into 2 six day cycles, A week & B week. Students will be reminded in homework & each morning what day it is in our schedule.

Specials Days Specials 1 2 Library 3 Technology 4 Art 5 Gym 6 Music . Days Specials 1 A1-Health B1-Guidance/Reading 2 Library 3 Technology 4 Art 5 Gym 6 Music

Report Cards Report cards given 4 times a year/ envelope must be signed and returned the following school day, for the first three quarters.

Special Days Birthdays – There are 21 students in our class. Non edible: Pencils, erasers or donating a book or recess game to the classroom are great alternatives to food. Food Options: Pretzels, cupcakes, or anything that does not need cutting. Allergies to consider: sweet potato, bananas, grapes and blueberry juice.

Character Education Code of Conduct – 6 Pillars of Good Character McDonald is continuing to work towards our Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. We strongly encourage the students to exemplify these pillars on a daily basis.

Classroom Management Individual Class Goal – Marble Jar Parent Contact Bucket Filling Students fill buckets by being kind, helping others and following directions. Ten “fillers” equal a reward from the reward menu. Traffic Light Red- student continues to exhibit unexpected behaviors. Yellow- warning that behavior needs to improve. Green -expected behaviors (all students begin on green) Colors will be recorded in their daily assignment sheet for parent(s)/guardian(s) to view. Class Goal – Marble Jar Whole class behavioral plan When jar is full, the students will vote on class reward. Parent Contact Written or verbal immediately following any serious incident.

Supplies The supplies are only going to take us so far. When your child runs out, he/she will come home with a checklist of the items needed.

My Website http://www.centennialsd.org/Domain/661 You can find classroom information, web links, and helpful resources.

Volunteer Opportunities Clearances needed: Classroom helpers (centers, writing, etc.) (Please visit District Website under Human Resources to gain necessary paperwork.) One time visits: Mystery Readers Guest Speakers

Thank You Thanks for taking time out of your day to come to Back to School Night I look forward to a very exciting year with your child Please contact me with any concern you may have garrre@centennialsd.org 215 441-6157 ext. 11357