1. Back to School Afternoon
Mrs. Jennifer Koch
First Grade

2. Literacy Two reading assessments during first quarter:
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening)
These assessments 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.**

3. Classroom Citizenship
Every child is expected to be
Responsible, Respectful, and Ready to Learn!
Each child will begin 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.

4. Homework begins mid-Sepetember
Weekly reading log
Read for minutes each night
Discuss prompts
Find and discuss weekly Word Study features
Raz-Kids and iReady
Used to reinforce and practice concepts introduced in the classroom.
These require internet connection and password to be provided.

5. BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology)
Be sure to read the entire Acceptable Use Policy located on page 1 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. This can be found on the LCPS district webpage under Quick Links.
There are two salmon-colored forms included in the parent packet (Signature Form and Student/Parent Technology Usage Form). Both MUST be signed.
First Grade classes will participate in BYOT a few times during the school year.
Parents will be informed by the teacher when it is an appropriate time to bring technology for use in the classroom. We plan to use BYOT during portions of our One To The World activities.
Students are welcome to bring Kindles/Reading Devices for independent reading after forms have been signed.
Devices Include:
iPods iPad/Tablet
Kindles/Reading Devices

6. Special Activities Star Student Begins in September
Star Student will create a poster and a bring mystery show-and-tell.
Schedule will be posted on my webpage.
Field Trips
National Zoo- Spring
More information at later time

7. Attendance and After-School Plans
Please make sure that your child eats a healthy breakfast and arrives on time each day.
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 !)
If you plan to pick up your child early, please contact the office BEFORE 12:00 or send a note in the morning.

8. Lunch 10:35-11:05 Please practice lunch numbers over the weekend.
Ice cream may be purchased on Fridays with enough money in lunch account.
Menu is available on website and includes
payment information.
Please discuss choices and monitor account!

9. Snacks Snack will be eaten mid-afternoon.
Must be something that the child can open independently and eat in five to ten minutes
Non-messy snacks, please!
Students may bring water bottles.
NUT FREE products only!

10. Parties and Birthdays Three classroom parties Birthdays
Harvest Party (October),
Friendship Party (February)
End-of-Year Party (June)
Birthdays
Non-edible birthday items ONLY
Donate a game or book to the class
**If you are going to pass out invitations at school, you MUST pass them out to everyone.**

11. Nurse Purpose
Use for Emergency Medical Concerns ONLY! Small cuts, scrapes, stuffy/runny noses will be handled by teacher.
If your child is sick and will be unable to participate in class, please keep him/her home for the day.
ALL medications (EVEN COUGH DROPS) need to be kept in the nurse’s office. Students are NOT allowed to keep medications with them.
Have questions? Alyson Kreitzman, our school nurse.

12. *Please consider donating to our classroom!*
Classroom Supplies
The first grade team is requesting a few additional supplies:
Recess Equipment (Balls, Jump ropes, chalk)
1 box of plastic resealable bags:
Gallon or sandwich
*Please consider donating to our classroom!*

13. Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday Folder Volunteer (weekly)
Literacy Center Volunteers (M-Th)
Word Study (F)
Room Parents
All parents new to volunteering MUST
complete a brief training session with
Mrs. Cipriano before volunteering in the classroom.
**Training will be held on September 21st and 22nd **

14. Please sign up for your conference TONIGHT!
Conferences
Will be on November 7th .
First quarter progress report will be discussed during these conferences.
Please sign up for your conference TONIGHT!

15. Communication School Newsletter Connect Ed
Twitter
Weekly Newton-Lee Envelope (Thursday folder)
Daily Purple Take Home Folder

16. Mrs. Koch’s Webpage