Parent Orientation Mrs. Karen Hoffman

CLASS RIGHTS I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE ME…..this means that no one should treat me unfairly, because I am a boy or a girl, because of the color of my skin, or because of the way I look.

CLASS RIGHTS I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HAPPY…..this means that no one should call me names, or laugh at me, or hurt my feelings.

CLASS RIGHTS I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE SAFE…..this means that no one should hit me, push me, trip me, or touch me in any way.

CLASS RIGHTS I HAVE A RIGHT TO LISTEN…..this means that no one should talk out of turn, yell, whisper, hum, giggle, or make any kind of noises at the wrong time.

CLASS RIGHTS I HAVE A RIGHT TO LEARN…..this means that no one should make fun if I don’t know an answer, or if I give the wrong answer, or because of the way I learn.

CLASS RIGHTS I HAVE A RIGHT TO WORK…..this means that no one should interrupt my thinking when I am working alone at my desk, or with a partner, or in a group.

CURRICULUM Religion provides a simple overview of the mysteries of our faith. Through learning of the goodness of God, and the love of Jesus, the children respond to God in friendship and prayer. Phonics focuses on explicit and systematic instruction in consonants, short and long vowels, consonant blends, endings, digraphs, contractions, and high-frequency words. Reading provides built-in instruction to help every child master high-level frequency words and grade level reading skills that include vocabulary, guided reading, comprehension, and fluency. English integrates language arts instruction through grammar lessons, writing prompts, writing process lessons, and journal skills. The Simple Solutions workbook is completed in school.

CURRICULUM Handwriting guides students through an easy step-by-step process which applies four keys to legibility - shape, size, spacing, and slant. Spelling words correctly with regular short vowel patterns and long vowel patterns as well as high-frequency words. Math focuses on in-depth instruction in fundamental concepts such as numbers, addition and subtraction strategies and facts, data and graphs, place value, geometry, money, time, measurement, and two- digit addition and subtraction. A Simple Solutions workbook is completed in school.

CURRICULUM Science will include scientific inquiry, earth and space, living organisms, and physical science through the use of Skitt Kit activities, supplemented with National Geographic for Kids and Scholastic News. Social Studies will cover concepts in history, society, geography, economics, government, and citizenship, supplemented with the Weekly Reader. Health focuses on five key elements, which involve choices in life related to health and well-being. They are nutrition, growth and development, disease prevention and control, safety and first aid, health issues and dangerous substances.

Grades S Achieved quarterly expectations IImproving N Needs Improvement; below quarterly expectation

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION Write a note to me. Phone calls through the school office. Make an appointment with me for a parent- teacher conference.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS Room parents are assigned by the coordinator. Chaperones for field trips must beVirtus-trained. Visit our classroom as Parent of the Day to talk about your career, read a book, share a hobby, or teach a craft. Volunteer opportunities arise throughout the school year, and I will send home a letter as the need arises. Room parents are assigned by the coordinator. Chaperones for field trips must beVirtus-trained. Visit our classroom as Parent of the Day to talk about your career, read a book, share a hobby, or teach a craft. Volunteer opportunities arise throughout the school year, and I will send home a letter as the need arises.

SPECIAL EVENTS First Grade-Eighth Grade Buddies Fire Prevention Presentation Service project for Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital Christmas Program

SPECIAL EVENTS Trees for Wildlife Presentation Zoo Field Trip Muffins with Mom Closing All School Liturgy- Grade 1 Honoring Grade 8

GENERAL PROCEDURES HOME FOLDER: Check your child’s folder daily. Take out all the papers that are yours to keep. Include any papers, messages, envelopes, etc. that need to be returned to school the following day. ABSENCE: Call the office before school starts. Upon returning to school, a written note to the teacher is required. Any work your child misses should be completed in 1 to 3 days, depending on the length of the absence. MONEY: Put any cash or checks in an envelope with your child’s name and what the money is for. CLOTHES: Please label your child’s school clothes - jumper, blouses, pants, shirts, shorts, sweatshirt, sweater, and vest.

Special Schedule Monday - Art Tuesday - Music Wednesday - Gym Thursday - Library and Spanish Friday - Computer

Welcome to the First Grade!