Welcome to First Grade! -Ms. Borres

Who is Ms. Borres? 10th year of teaching Taught kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grades. Worked as a reading specialist. From Pittsburgh Dog named Lizzy

Building Independent Learners! Reading Flexible Small Group Instruction Focus on Phonics Skills Fluency and comprehension skills Grammar Skills Weekly Reading and Skills Assessments Math Hands-on math activities Independent, small group and partner activities Number sense/subitizing Differentiated Instruction

Writing proper letter formation (top to bottom) proper spacing between words correct use of upper and lowercase letters in sentences correct use of punctuation writing complete sentences using descriptive words proper sequencing of events in story writing 5 or more sentences on one topic

Technology Students will use ipads, laptops, and promethean board Utilize our programs at home that were purchased by the PTA www.ixl.com www.brainpop.com www.readinga-z.com www.raz-kids.com

The PTA needs YOUR Support! Consider joining the Cub Club! Scholastic News $62,000 raised/spent on our children $200 per teacher

Homework Word Study (spelling) The blue homework folder and homework notebook will be sent home on Mondays with a choice board. Students are to choose a minimum of 4 activities a week. They can complete more! Read for 15 minutes each night. Check box and sign. Word Study (spelling) Students are given the Diagnostic Spelling Assessment (DSA) to determine their developmental word study group. Groups are flexible and differentiated Groups are determined by your child’s mastery of word study features. Mastery of word study features will be demonstrated through writing samples and sorts.

Behavior Expectations Whole Brain Teaching (Chris Biffle) Creating independent learners who learn from each other through questioning and discovery Color system (green, yellow, red) – sign nightly Fun Friday!

Folders Green Cub Folder - Daily Communication Folder Behavior Chart – First two months. Blue Homework Folder and Notebook Sent home on Mondays and returned to school completed on Fridays. All graded papers will be sent home in this folder on Mondays. Please review graded papers with your child. Green Folder - Desk Folder Kept at school. Students place any unfinished work into their green folders during the day and complete during down time.

10 Minute Working Snack NO PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS!! Fruits Vegetables Crackers Yogurt No sweets Small water bottles only! Please pack only 1 snack.

Important Info Please send in a note if your child: *is absent *is leaving early *has an appointment *has a transportation change Please do not email me changes in transportation. *When picking up your child from school early you must sign them out from the office. Our Lunch time is 11:45 – 12:15. Please sign in at the office and wait at the cafeteria If you send in lunch money, please put your child’s name, room number and the amount on the envelope or check.

Grading K-1st grade based on a 4, 3, 2, 1 grading scale http://henricoschools.us/pdf/Schools/GradingScaleElementary.pdf

Communication The best way to reach me is through email. Laborres@henrico.k12.va.us I will return your email within 24 hours. Please be patient during the day as I am teaching precious minds  *Visit the blog weekly on Sunday or Monday nights for important information about the week. http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/laborres

Parent/Teacher Conferences November 7th from 3:00-6:30 15 minute conferences on an as needed basis Only 14 slots I will assign conferences first then take requests

THANK YOU! Thank you, parents, for everything that YOU do! Together, we will make your child’s first grade year the BEST year!