to 1st grade Creech Elementary 2018-2019

Students may be dropped off no earlier than 7:50 am. School Hours Students may be dropped off no earlier than 7:50 am. Students will report directly to class unless they eat breakfast at school. Tardy bell rings at 8:20. Please make sure your child is in class before the tardy bell. School is dismissed at 3:40 daily (12:40 early dismissal).

Student will visit the library on Tuesdays Students will have a library lesson every other week. Students will be allowed to check out two books to bring home every week. Parents/students are responsible for damaged or lost books.

Creech Elementary uses the PBIS behavioral system. Students are expected to follow B.A.R.K. guidelines Students receive BARK bucks for positive behavior. BARK bucks can be redeemed for rewards.

Students will use ID cards to pay for lunches. Parents may pay in advance online. Parents are encouraged to use the online account rather than sending checks or cash. If sending money, please send it in a baggie or envelope labeled with your child’s name and “lunch money.” (Please do not send loose money.) All lunch money is turned into the cafeteria each morning. Parents are welcome to join students for lunch. (Eligible lunch visitors include parents, grandparents, non-school aged siblings). We ask that you please say your goodbyes in the cafeteria at the conclusion of the lunch period. Please discuss extra purchases (water bottles, snacks, etc.) with your child.

Birthday Celebrations Birthday treats will be eaten at recess. Please send treats with your child in the morning. Sending in napkins with treats is helpful as teachers do not keep these on hand. All treats MUST be store bought and have an attached ingredient list. Please contact your homeroom teacher at least 2 days prior to sending your treats. Do not send any birthday invitations with your child. Invitations may not be passed out at school.

Transportation and Absences What do I do when I want to change my child’s transportation? A parent/guardian has to send a written note with signature to the teacher/front office by 3 pm the day of the change. No e-mail changes will be accepted. What do I do if my child is absent? If your child is going to be absent please call or email the front office by 10:00 am. The phone number is 281-237-8855. Or a note needs to accompany them with the reason of the absence upon the return of the student.

Homework is an important part of school. Students will write homework assignments in their planner daily. Homework is 10% of your child’s grade. Students will receive a homework choice board monthly. Your child must complete 1 assignment from each column and return the signed board by the due date. 10 points will be deducted for each day late. Friday: Poetry Binder home for the weekend. Students are expected to read for at least 10 minutes daily. Homework will not be given on school function nights.

You can always reach your child’s teacher via email or by leaving a voicemail to be returned within 24 hours. If you have notes or money for the teacher, please place them in your child’s folder. The folder will be checked every morning for notes, transportation changes, lunch money, etc. Weekly grade level newsletters will also be sent via email to the email address provided. Parent Communication

One progress report will be sent each grading period. Grades One progress report will be sent each grading period. Report cards will be issued at the end of each grading period. Please sign and return all progress reports and report cards. Students will receive numerical grades for Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics. Science, Social Studies, Handwriting, Art, Music, and P.E. will receive E, S, N, or U.

End of the first grading period: D/E End of the second grading period: F End of the third grading period: H End of the fourth grading period: J

Students become better readers by reading. Readers Workshop Mini lesson Independent Reading/Conferencing Partner Reading Guided Reading/Strategy Groups Shared Reading (i.e. Focus Poetry) Interactive Read Aloud/Accountable Talk It is very important that your child reads nightly even if it is not assigned for homework.

Planner - please sign this nightly Everyday Planner - please sign this nightly Blue communication folder - please remind your child to give any important notes to me One healthy, dry snack that doesn't require utensils Water bottle labeled Change of clothes in a ziploc bag

The study of the patterns of spelling through activities such as: Word Study The study of the patterns of spelling through activities such as: Making Words Word Wall Activities Word Sort Word Study helps develop abilities in phonics, word recognition, vocabulary and decoding.

Units we will study: Narrative/Small Moments Informational Fiction Procedural Poetry Research Students will be participating in Writing Workshop. Mini lesson Independent Writing/Conferencing Sharing

Writing will be scored utilizing a district rubric and grades will be input into the Language Arts section of the Report Card

Our math time will be divided in whole group and Math Workshop Our math time will be divided in whole group and Math Workshop. We will be using hands on manipulatives and teaching problem solving skills. Some units we will cover are: Numeracy up to 120 Addition/Subtraction up to 20 Graphing/ Data Analysis Money and Financial Literacy Measurement Fractions Geometry

Katy ISD Fact Fluency Plan How is this different than Fast Facts? Purpose: It is designed to help students develop fluency and automaticity of basic facts. This will be accomplished through a balanced approach, teaching concepts through the use of manipulatives, introducing math fact strategies, and exploring the relationships between addition and subtraction. How is this different than Fast Facts? Fact checks (practice books) are given throughout the grading period as an informal assessment. These are NOT graded.

We believe in Science being hands-on and letting students explore Science through labs. Some topics students will learn: Body Systems Germs Patterns and Cycles Physical Changes Energy Force and Motion Organisms and Environments Resources

Topics your child will be learning about: Citizenship Communities Geography Texas Symbols Historical Figures U.S. symbols Inventors and Innovators Celebrations and Culture

Parent - Teacher Conferences Conferences will be scheduled during the first semester. This will give teachers adequate time to observe and assess your child’s academic abilities. Conferences are a time to discuss your child’s progress. At this time, goals for your child will be identified, as well as specific skills to focus on and ways you can assist your child at home. Conferences will begin in October. If an additional conference is needed one can be requested by the teacher or parent Sign-up genius will be used to schedule conferences.

We look forward to a wonderful year! Being a successful first grader involves teamwork between student, teacher, and parent. Your support at home will positively impact your child’s learning. We thank you ahead of time for your support and cooperation. We look forward to a wonderful year!