Back to School Afternoon 2014 Mrs. Koch 1 st Grade

About Mrs. Koch Northern Virginia native Graduate of Radford University, 1993 Taught in Fairfax County 10 years Lives in Leesburg with her husband and two children

Let’s have a little fun… I believe that learning should be fun, active, and engaging for all children. Children need to be taught how to “think”, problem solve, and justify their answers. Learning is not just rote memorization of facts. Students in my class will explore and learn in a variety of ways. They will spend very little time on worksheets! Did you know…most 6 year olds are only able to sit still for 6 minutes!

Inquiry-Based Lessons Student-Centered- Guided questioning, builds on prior knowledge, allows for differences in thinking and learning styles Encourages student thinking and questioning- Students explain their thinking and justify their answers Active Engagement -Requires participation from all students, allows for many “right” answers, fun! Let’s try it! What do you know about first grade?

First Quarter Overview Math Number Concepts Calendar Patterns Data Collection Geometry and Fractions Science Changes in Autumn Sun & Earth Natural Resources

First Quarter Overview Cont. Social Studies Citizenship Rules Safety “Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow”

Literacy Pathways Components: Shared Reading, Word Study, Read Aloud, Guided Reading, Independent Reading, and Writer’s Workshop Two reading assessments during first quarter: DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) These assessments will help us choose appropriate books for Guided Reading Groups and find a starting point for reading instruction. **We will discuss results during first quarter parent-teacher conferences.**

Specials Art (50 minutes) Music (30 minutes, twice each week) PE (30 minutes, three times each week) *Please have your child wear SNEAKERS on PE days (M,W,F) Library (30 minutes each week) Guidance (40 minutes every other week) SEARCH (40 minutes every other week) Enrichment program for grades K-3. Focuses on thinking skills and encourages students’ creativity. Computer Lab (30 minutes each week, working with iReady)

Homework Beginning week of September 22 nd Will focus on reading, comprehension skills, and word study features Develops good work habits, time management and participation

Attendance and After-School Plans Please make sure that your child eats a healthy breakfast and arrives on time each day. Instruction begins at 7:50! Your child must bring a note in the morning in order to change after-school dismissal arrangements. If there are last minute (during the school day) changes to your child’s after-school transportation plans, please contact the office (DO NOT RELY ON !)

Classroom Citizenship Every child will be expected to adhere to our classroom expectations and is encouraged to make responsible choices: Every child begins the day with the opportunity to show excellent effort and cooperation. A child who is having a difficult day will be encouraged to make positive changes and reflect on his/her behavior. Every child has the right to be happy and safe in school. If another student is extremely disruptive to the well-being or safety of others, he/she will be sent to the office. Mrs. Koch will communicate to parents about classroom behavior on an as-needed basis.

Lunch If you wish to eat lunch with your child, please sign in at the office and meet us in the cafeteria at 11:50. Commercial lunch packages are not permitted. If you wish to purchase lunch from the cafeteria, please send me a note with your order in the morning. Menus are available online and are sent home monthly. Ice cream may be purchased on Fridays. Please discuss choices and monitor your child’s account! You may send lunch money to school with your child or pay online.

Parties and Birthdays Class Parties Fall Harvest (October), Friendship (February), End of Year (June) Specific dates TBA Birthdays Donate a game or book to the class Lunch with your child **If you are going to pass out invitations at school, you MUST pass them out to everyone.**

Snacks Your child will have time to eat a healthy snack each morning. Must be something that your child is able to open independently and eat within five to ten minutes Non-messy snacks, please! Water ONLY NO NUTS or nut products!

Communication Monthly School Newsletter Monthly First Grade Newsletter (online on First Grade Team Page) Weekly Newton-Lee Envelope onThursday Daily Purple Take Home Folder

Special Activities Star Student Begins in October Star Student will bring in a poster, items to share, and a mystery show and tell. Field Trip Wayside Farm (October 23) Permission Form and $ due 9/5

Volunteer Opportunities Thursday Folder Volunteers (weekly) Literacy Center Volunteers (daily) Room Parents and party helpers All parents must complete a brief training session with Mrs. Ulbrich before becoming a regular volunteer. September 10 th and 12 th at 9:00

Conferences Will be held for each family at the end of the first grading period. First quarter progress report will be discussed during these conferences. Please sign up for your conference TONIGHT!

Newton-Lee PTO The PTO provides many events and resources for teachers, students, and families. Please consider joining this organization to support our school and community. The cost of membership includes a copy of the school directory. Please be sure to review all information in your child’s first day packet and complete the online registration for your family.