1. Welcome to First Grade
Please take a moment to write a note in your child’s journal before we begin.

2. Heather Hoskins Baraga
Me in St. Mark’s
Education
Saint Mark’s, Preschool, K, and 3rd
Occidental College, BA in English
Claremont Graduate University,
MA in Education
Credentials
California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Experience
, West Covina Unified, K and 1st
2005-present, Saint Mark’s School

3. I’ve been where you are…

4. …and this is where you’re headed!

5. Ben Prep
Rob
Jo Westridge

6. Huck, crazy eyes
Lucy,
shoe chewer

7. More Family… Isac in K @ St. Mark’s Eli in Pre-K @ St. Mark’s
Emry, St. Mark’s
class of 2027

8. The Basics Chip Chart and Rules
Earn a chip when “caught” following the rules
(can’t ask for one)
Chips can be taken away
I will be in touch if there
are issues.
See the “Class Motivation
System” sheet in your
folder.

9. V.I.P. Snack Shack Students decorate board for their week
May bring up to 3 non-board items
Class pet comes home Friday – Thursday.
Snack Shack
Snacks cost cents
Let me know if you wish your child to “opt out” of my loan policy
“Snowy”

10. Birthdays Monthly celebration, both classes Avoid excessive sweets
Cakedoodle

11. Responsive Classroom is…
An approach based on the belief that integrating academic and social-emotional skills creates an environment where students can do their best learning.
A few guiding principles…
Cognitive growth occurs through social interaction (which must be explicitly modeled).
It’s important for students to practice cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.
Knowing the children we teach is as important as knowing the content we teach.

12. Language Arts Words Their Way Express Readers
A word study program that emphasizes understanding of pattern beyond memorization using word sorts.
Express Readers
A phonics-based literacy program for emergent and early readers.
Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System
A way of targeting guided reading instruction to facilitate literacy development. Levels D – K = First Grade
Writers’ Workshop
Using the writing process to explore personal narrative, paragraph writing, opinion, response to literature, and report writing

13. My goal for the year is to move each student as far along on their individual learning journey as possible. To that end:
I will group for reading and word study. The grouping will be fluid, and will be continually reevaluated based on student progress.
My goal is for all students to leave first grade with confidence in themselves and their reading ability.

14. Math Math in Focus / Singapore Math
Concrete (hands on)
Pictorial (pictures, models, diagrams)
Abstract (number and symbols)
Primary focus this year: Addition, Subtraction, Place Value
What’s a number bond?

15. Math Practice
Touchmath is a transitional tool used to support students in their understanding of number sense used as a starting point for exploring how numbers work together.
We spend significant time establishing number sense and developing the concept of ten. We use the number line, songs, concrete manipulatives, and games to reinforce this important skill.
Math Binders are used to challenge students on an individual level. They can choose to work in these binders whenever they have completed an in-class math assignment.

16. Social Studies
Areas of study this fall include All About Me, Farms, Bats, Pilgrims, and the Arctic Circle.
Beginning with a tour of Europe in December, we will create passports and boarding passes and visit all seven continents this year in first grade.
Please let me know if you have any first hand knowledge of specific countries!

17. Words From Mrs. Kim, Science Teacher
I am excited about another fun year filled with scientific inquiries and investigations.  Curriculum areas we will focus on this year include Solids & Liquids, Sound & Light, Plants and Animals. This year first grade students have science on Mondays and Wednesdays. 
Science is an academic subject here at Saint Mark’s school.  In case of student absence it is important that you contact Mrs. Kim, the science teacher, through and make up class work if necessary. 
Please check Mrs. Kim’s teacher page regularly for updates on the units of study, tests, and homework. 
There will be one science field trip this year in May.  We will be heading to the Natural History Museum and the Big Lab in California Science Center to extend our learning about bugs and insects outside the classroom. 
If you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to schedule a conference, or volunteer to help out, you can contact me at
Thank you.
Liz Kim

18. Homework
The organizer should be sent back to school daily. Your child should be responsible for placing the organizer in the basket.
Nightly language arts will focus on word study practice for Friday spell check.
Math page sent on Monday is due Friday.
Check over your child’s homework.
Let me know if the homework is too difficult.

19. Word Sorts Word sorts will be assigned weekly.
A pre-sorted word list will be included each week for your reference.
The weekly spell check will be based on the word sort pattern that week and will include 8 – 10 words from the sort and 2 sight words.
Try to sort at least once a night, using speed sorts, blind sorts, blind writing sorts, etc.

20. Communication & Teacher Pages
Uniform Policy
I can be reached by at during school hours or in the evenings or on weekends. I also check my voic throughout the day: (626) , ext. 247
Please call the office if your child will be absent, and leave a message on my voic as well. If you , please copy
Your child must be symptom free without the aid of medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

21. Parent Conferences
Fall Parent Conferences are November 17 and 18. Look for a Sign Up Genius link soon.
We will have a second round of Parent Conferences on March 16 and 17.
However, I am always free to conference with you at any time, just let me know!

22. Here’s to a great year! Any questions?