1. Saints Peter and Paul School
First Grade

2. Back to School Night About the teachers First Grade Curriculum
Testing and Screenings
Communication
Volunteers
Field Trips and Special Events
Questions and Concerns

3. About the Teachers Mrs. Van Wyk
B.S. in Early Childhood Education from WCU, Certification in Elementary Education
13th year teaching
2 children Avery (PK 3) & Quinn
PIAA Referee

4. Ms. Anna Kates
B.S. in Elementary (PK-4) and Special Education (PK-8) from SJU
Working on Masters in Special Ed at WCU– graduating this Spring!!
3rd year at SSPP

5. Mrs. Halvorsen
17th year at SSPP
3 children, two sons, one daughter, two grand children
Is an important asset in working one on one with students

6. First Grade Curriculum
E.L.A.- Journeys is a research-based, comprehensive English Language Arts program designed to provide solid instruction that is clear and focused with realistic pacing and manageable resources. It integrates both Science and Social Studies throughout the curriculum. We will continue our Fundations program which is geared to enhance our phonics curriculum.
Math- We will work on addition and subtraction facts through 20, graphing, money, time, fractions, symmetry, and early multiplication skills.
Religion- Creation is the beginning, we stress God’ s love for the children and teach well known prayers.
Science- we will be using the FOSS curriculum for air and weather and continue the year with inquiry in many different scientific aspects.
Social Studies- we will be using our Social Studies series to teach our children about communities, families, and being a good friend.

7. E.L.A./Fundations Trick words can be studied and memorized
There will be at least four graded Writing assignments per trimester
There will be at least two graded Reading Assessments per trimester
There will be at least two Listening and Speaking Assessments per trimester
Weekly Words need to be written every Monday on note cards and kept at home to study.

8. Fundations Emphasis on systematic phonics and study of word structure
Skills taught explicitly and systematically
Instruction is cumulative and scaffolds presented skills
Teachers model with “Echo” the owl puppet directing students to repeat sounds, words, and sentences
Assessments monitor students throughout the program
The manual provides direction for support staff to meet individual student needs
Extensive practice provides multiple opportunities for skills application

9. Math There will be weekly assessments given in Math
There will be at least six assessments per trimester
Timed math facts

10. Review sheets will be sent home for tests and prayers.
Religion
Students will be assessed on prayers and knowledge of the First Grade Religion Curriculum.
Review sheets will be sent home for tests and prayers.
Saint Project

11. Social Studies and Science
Social Studies and Science are integrated throughout the E.L.A. and Math curriculum.
We also spend 30 minutes twice a week on both subjects and visit the lab for Science.

12. Homework Homework Monday-Thursday Please check and initial assignments
Encourage neatness
Please read with your child every night and sign the reading log
Study Weekly Words including Trick Words, place new words on note cards every Monday

13. Testing and Screenings
Reading Specialist- Kathleen McGuire
Reading Support- Jen Gilligan
Learning Support- Anna Benoit
Speech and Language- Tina Borst
Guidance Counselor- Janette Ordway
Math Specialist- Mary Joe Thompson
Sight Word Monitoring
DIBELS
IST- Instructional Support Team- works cooperatively to meet any special needs of students

14. Screening by Kathleen McGuire
Mrs. McGuire is a Reading Specialist from the Chester County Intermediate Unit. She screens and assesses the beginning reading skills of our first grade students throughout the school year. If additional assessments need to be administered, you will be notified by Mrs. McGuire and the classroom teacher.

15. Communication Weekly Behavior Charts
or Google Sites
Conferences: October 24th (night) and 25th (day)
Test Folders

16. General Information Covering Books with clear contact paper
Health Office and Vaccination Papers
24 hours after having no fever, students may return to school
Clearances
Please no toys from home!
No microwave at lunch.

17. Volunteers Homeroom Parents Art Volunteers
(no art volunteers if we have a 2hr delay)
Field Trip Chaperones
Lunch Parents
Mystery Readers

18. Field Trips and Special Events
Cherry Crest Farms and Camden Aquarium
Saint Project
Parties- all Holidays
All About Me/ Student of the Week
Class Pet
Scholastic Book Orders

19. Questions and Concerns
Parent questions and concerns