Highlights of the First Grade Handbook 2018-2019

Encouraging Independence Allow your child to learn from their mistakes. Allow your child time to problem-solve before you intervene. Don’t give your child the answer to their problem. Let them voice their solutions and you can help guide their decision- making. Encourage your child to discuss problems with their teacher. You will be surprised to see what they can do for themselves. Set limits and rules, such as consistent bed-times at home. Children thrive on routine and consistency.

Report Card 1-Not yet 2-Progressing 3-Met expectation 4-High achievement

Absent If your child is absent, please call the school that morning and send the teacher an email, if possible. You must send in a note with your child upon his/her return to school. It must be turned in within 3 days.

All students will have a binder. Communication calendar inside binder… “Return to School” and “Keep at Home” folder inside binder… Zipper Pouch – The zipper pouch will be a secure spot for lunch money, book orders, field trip money, etc.

Communication If you have a last minute change to your child’s transportation, please phone the main office and they will get a message to us. Please do not email after 12pm. Do not leave a message on the teacher’s voicemail for any dismissal changes.

Grade level newsletter bi- weekly via email… Communication Email…going green Grade level newsletter bi- weekly via email… Let us know if you do not have access to a computer.

*Parent conference day is Oct. 23rd Parent Conferences Parent/Teacher communication is very important. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. We will be glad to schedule a conference with you. *Parent conference day is Oct. 23rd

Please label….. Personal Items Sweatshirts, coats, lunch boxes, water bottles, etc. Please do not allow your child to bring toys/games or other non-school items unless advised by his/her teacher.

Medical Concerns Please advise your child’s teacher/school nurse of any allergies/medical conditions. Any medication taken at school must be cleared through the clinic. Please report any communicable illnesses to your child’s teacher/school nurse (example…lice, etc.).

We are limited to two school parties a year. Parties/Birthdays We are limited to two school parties a year. While we discourage parents providing food for other students, Lauren’s Law allows a parent to provide a treat to the class on their child’s birthday.  If you choose to send a treat for the class, please ensure it’s store bought and allergen free.  The teacher will hand it out at the end of the school day.  Communicate in advance with the classroom teacher regarding student dietary restrictions. Great ideas would be: mechanical pencils, erasers, little toys, play dough, stickers, etc… To avoid hurt feelings, invitations given out at school must include all classmates or all of the girls/boys.

No-spill water bottles….No JUICE. Dry, non messy snacks… Please make sure your child can independently eat their snack (i.e. peeling fruit, opening containers, etc.).

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Please place Carpool Sign in car window every time where it can be easily seen. We will put your child into the car. We also ask that you and all the children use the crosswalks that are available around the school. The safety of you and your children are very important to us. Rainy day dismissal plan: If your child is a walker, please have a set plan. Call the office to communicate any last minute changes.

Front Dismissal

Reading If your child is stuck on a word.. Pictures… If a book is too hard or too easy… When your child gets to a word they don’t know- do not ask to sound it out Remember that reading should be looked at as an enjoyable time spent with your child…..NOT as homework.

Keys to becoming a SUPER reader! Practice reading every night! By the end of 6th grade, Student “A” will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days. Student “B” will have read only 12 school days. Which student would you expect to have better vocabulary? Which student would you expect to be more successful in school and in life???

Every night Homework— READ MATH FACTS

WRITING We focus on high frequency words (common words) being spelled correctly. If a child gets to a word they do not know how to spell, we ask them to--- stretch it out and write the sounds they hear! Ask your child to stretch it out. Do not give them the answer, we are not looking for perfect spelling.

MATH Very hands on in first grade… We use manipulatives and technology more than we use worksheets. Our goal is to make work meaningful, satisfying, challenging and engaging. By the end of the year your child should know all of their addition facts through 9. No fingers! Encourage problem solving in everyday life.

Missed Assignments Many times when your child is absent from school, there will not be “make-up work” sent home. Much of 1st grade is hands-on learning. We are unable to send that work home but catch him/her up on lessons.

And…. Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. --Henry Ford

Thank You, for all that you do to support us!!