Welcome to First Grade Parent Night Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Our goal this year: Parents and teachers working together to set, maintain, and exceed student learning goals and expectations. When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece. - John Ruskin

River Ridge Rules! 1.Follow your leaders directions. 2.Keep your hands and feet to yourself. 3.Walk quietly in the building. Consequences: Warning Think time Loss of Privilege Office Referral

School Drills: 1.Fire Drills 2.Lock Down 3.Tornado 4.Earthquake

Homework: (Homework is meant to be a REVIEW of skills. Homework is not meant to frustrate children or PARENTS.) 1.Homework Sheet 2.Parent Signature 3.Time 4.Tasks 5.Spelling Tests 6.Word Wall Words

A Day in the Life of Your First Grader: Lunch: 12:05-12:30 Related Arts: 12:45-1:25 Recess: 1:30-1:45 Computer Lab: Wednesday 11:30-12:00 Spanish: Friday 11:25-11:05

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday 7:40-8:00Reading/RRJ 8:00-8:25 Morning Meeting, Calendar, Music & Movement ** 8:00-8:10 Phonics and Word Study **8:10-8:35 Morning Meeting, Calendar, Music & Movement 8:25-9:05Math **8:35-9:15 Math 9:05-9:40 Teacher Directed ELA **9:15-9:50 Teacher Directed ELA 9:30-9:40Working Snack 9:40-10:15 Focused Writing and Working Snack **9:50-10:20 Focused Writing and Working Snack 10:15-10:25 Phonics and Word Study 10:25-10:35 Writing Mini-Lesson Writing Mini-Lesson 10:30-11:25 Guided Reading and Work stations Writing Mini-Lesson **10:25-11:05 Spanish 10:35-10:50 Phonics and Word Study 10:50-11:45 Guided Reading and Work stations **11:30-12:00 Computer Lab Guided Reading and Work stations 11:45-12:00SS/Science 12:05-12:30Lunch 12:30-12:45Bathroom 12:45-1:25ArtPE MusicLibrary 1:30-1:45Recess 1:50-2:05Read Aloud Phonics and Word Study Writing Mini-Lesson Read Aloud 2:05-2:15 Reflection and Line up for dismissal

What is Guided Reading? Guided reading is an instructional approach that involves working with a small group of students who demonstrate similar reading behaviors and can all read similar levels of texts. The text is easy enough for students to read with skillful support. The text offers challenges and opportunities for problem solving, but is easy enough for students to read with some fluency. The teacher chooses selections that help students expand their strategies.

What program do we use to teach writing? Write From the Beginning is a developmental writing program for students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Teachers within the school develop a common, targeted focus and shared accountability for school wide writing performance. Purpose: To give students and teachers in grades K-5 the knowledge and skills necessary for age-appropriate writing instruction and achievement. Teachers at each grade have expectations for their particular grade level. Teachers use Improvement Rubrics and focused mini lessons to help establish a solid foundation in the writing process.

Assessments : Report Cards Report cards are currently being revised to reflect our new Common Core Standards and skills being taught. Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks. First grade report cards are a checklist similar to the one used in kindergarten. You will see information on the report card to let you know whether or not your child is meeting grade level expectations. You will also be informed of your child’s individual reading level. Objectives that are left blank on the report card are skills that have not yet been taught in first grade. Please be patient as our district works toward creating a new report card. More details will follow and we are always available to answer questions as we work through this process.

Assessments (Cont.): Progress Reports Progress reports will keep you informed of you child’s progress throughout the year. They will be sent home in between report card times. Skills will be assessed with the same indicators used on the report card. Look for progress reports every three weeks. MAP Testing MAP testing will be administered in the fall and the spring. MAP is a computerized assessment that will measure your child’s abilities in reading and math. The goal of MAP testing is to show progress throughout the year.

Important Reminders : Class Newsletter Transportation Changes Birthday Celebrations Family Tables in lunchroom Classroom Temperature Ice Cream on Fridays Snacks Parent/ Teacher Communication Money

Questions or concerns that would benefit everyone?

Since many parents are attending this meeting, please do not ask me specific questions about your personal child. That type of information should be addressed privately between you and I. Individual parent teacher conferences will be held during the month of October. Should you need to talk with me, you are always welcome to me, call me, or set up a scheduled conference. We are off to a great year and I am really enjoying getting to know your child! Thank you! Mrs. Wells