1. Mrs. McBride’s first grade class back to school night parent handbook
Riverview STEM Academy is a comprehensive K-5th  grade school with a year-long Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program designed for students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.  Using the engineering design process and the scientific method with a dynamic hands-on science curriculum, students will employ STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind. Through critical and collaborative work, our students discover that it is OK to take risks and make mistakes.

2. ABOUT the Super teacher
I am a mother of 3 awesome kids: David, Karisma, and Myles.
I have been in education for 16 years.
GATE, International Baccalaureate, and PLTW Lead Teacher Certified.
I have a Master’s in Cross Cultural Education.
I love teaching first grade!
Mrs. McBreezy makes learning so easy!

3. Traffic, Safety, and “Getting the Day off to a good start.”
Pull up to within 18” of the curb to load and unload from the curbside
Don’t leave car unattended in the yellow or red zones.
If you are going to leave your car unattended, park it on the street or parking lot.
Pull forward to the yellow zone to drop off or pick up
Do not double park to pick up or drop off

4. Don’t leave cars unattended in the yellow or red zones.

5. Pull up to within 18” of the curb

6. Pull forward to the yellow zone to drop off or pick up

7. Do not double park
to pick up or drop off

8. School Web Site: http://www.fcusd.org/rve
Contact Information & Resources
School Web Site:
Parent/Student Handbook:
Parent Rights and Responsibility & Student Code of Conduct:
Principal
Teacher &
Teacher Website
Office Phone:

9. Typical Schedule 8:25-9:10 EARLY Reading, Early BASE,-SIPPS
PLEASE DO NOT KNOCK ON THE DOOR
9:10-10:00 Math Centers - STEM
10:00-10:20 Recess
10:20-11:30 Language Arts & Social Studies
11:30-12:10 Lunch
12:10-12:30 Stamina Reading, Accelerated Reader, PLTW-STEM
12:20-1:40 PLTW, STEM
1:40–1:52 Closure, Behavior, Backpacks
1:52 Early Dismissal, BASE, LATE Reading SIPPS
2:37 Late Dismissal
*PE – We do physical activity daily. Students will two designated PE days each week.
*Library – We will go to the library once a week
*Early Late STEM Centers on Fridays
*First Grade Music – Once a Month

10. 1st and 2nd grade Early/Late
And BASE Program
BASE Program
Extended Day 1:52-2:37
8:25 – 1:52 AM Session
12 Students
24 Students
15 Students
BASE Program
Extended Day 8:25–9:10
9:10 – 2:37 PM Session

11. Curriculum SEE What is My Child Learning in First Grade?
Reading/Phonics/Writing – SIPPS
Language Arts – Benchmark
Math – Pearson Realize
Social Studies – Benchmark & Scholastic News
Science – PLTW (Project Lead the Way), EIE (Engineering is Elementary), Benchmark, Science Spin, AIMS – Integrated Math and Sciences Activities, Teacher created thematic units.
Technology & Engineering – Bee-Bots, Vex Kits, Magnaform Kits, Legos, STEM kits, Code.org, Scratch Jr. (Every child has access to a Chromebook, iPad, Vex kits and other various items. Students will sign a contract to treat these items respectfully and will lose privileges if they do not follow the agreement.)

12. STEM, Science and engineering practices are designed to strengthen and develop students understanding of the nature of science and engineering.
1. Asking questions and defining problems
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

13. Learning Center Program for all grades K-5
Response to Intervention – RtI
GATE Program
Intervention Teacher
Resource Teacher
Grade Level Teachers
Learning Center
Individualized instruction
Small Group
instruction
Classroom Teacher
Fluency
Comprehension Strategies
Story analysis and readers theater.

14. SUPER Homework
Homework is for practice and responsibility skills only and will not be used in the grade (with the exception of the oral reports)
Homework will come home Friday (Homework is combined with the Friday Folder) and be due following Thursday MORNING 
Review, Practice, Games – Test prep and concept practice
Leveled Math (2-4 pages each week) – Practice Mental Math Facts
Nightly Reading – T1:10 Min, T2:15 Min, T3:20 Min
Reading/Writing Comprehension – Activity Calendar, Reading/Writing Logs & Practice Sight Words
Spelling (Tests on Thurs. or Fri)
Oral Reports (once a month)
Second Step Activities-These are family activities (Occasional)
STEM Activity of the Month (Optional)

16. Website Information
You can find district curriculum resources (for extra practice, extra support, and enrichment) on my webpage at: Mrs. McBride's Website - Super Student Resources

17. Students will receive one of three letter grades…..
Grading
Students will receive one of three letter grades…..
M – Meeting Proficiency in the Standard (Demonstrating Understanding-On Grade Level)
D – Developing Proficiency in the Standard (Learning- Approaching Grade Level)
L – Limited Proficiency in the Standard (Below Grade Level)
+ and – Strengths and Struggles

18. Behavior Incentive plan
School Rules – Respectful, Responsible, Safe
Class Focus: Kindness & Character Building
We use the Engineering design process for problem solving!
Clip Chart
California Game Board
Group Points
Rocket Tickets
Fun Friday OR Study Hall
Class Rewards

19. Riverview School-wide Positive Behavior Support Program
Anti-Bullying Program
Second Step
B.E.S.T. Building Effective Schools Together
Positive Behavior Support – B.E.S.T.
Right-On Rockets Tickets to reward positive behavior
Riverview Rockets Are: Respectful, Responsible, Safe
Recognition Assembly
Behaviorist Support
Systematic Supervision Training for all staff
Social and Emotional support with district MFT’s and Social workers.
Engineering Design Process – Problem Solving

20. Details, Details, Details
Field Trips & Enrichment – Donation Checks made to Riverview STEM Academy (Child and teacher name in memo bar)
Illness (NO fever, vomit, or extreme cough for 24 hours before returning to school)
Leak-proof Water Bottles YES – Twist off caps NO (Fits standing in cubby)
Star Student – Can bring in up to 3 toys or items to share on Friday during their week)
Volunteers (Scheduled, no other children)
Communication – Schedule a meeting.
Shutterfly (Class Communication, Dates, and Invites)
Shoes (shoes they can tie on their own or use Velcro)
Community Supplies
Constant Supplies – Tissues, White Card Stock, Gallon Sliding Ziploc, Did I Mention Tissues……..
Allergies & Birthdays – NO NUTS - Pre-Approval for all treats. (Fruit Roll- Ups & Oreos) – Additional Ideas: Puzzles, games, coloring books, etc.

21. Wait… don’t go…. One more thing….ok a few more things
CLUBS AND OTHER OFFICE RELATED ITEMS – Please do not send in sign up sheets or money for clubs, or clothing to the classroom. Please send these things DIRECTLY to the office to help ensure that they get it quickly and on time.
Please label ALL your child’s belongings, especially backpacks, coats, sweaters, and lunch boxes. Please send your child with a HEALTHY snack (PACKED SEPARATELY FROM THEIR LUNCH) each day.
If you see one of my library books accidentally come home, please be sure to return it as I do not allow students to take my class books home (They accidentally get mixed in with their things from time to time).

22. PERSONAL PROPERTY – Do not bring it to school.
THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS' DAMAGED OR LOST PERSONAL PROPERTY.  Toys, balls, music players, electronic devices, stuffed animals, party invitations, or any personal property are not to be brought to school, unless requested by the student's teacher. 
1st offense = Confiscation and returned at end of day.  
2nd Confiscation = Parent pick-up. 
3rd Confiscation = Return last day of school.

23. Phones, pagers, and technology devices shall:
1. Be turned off and placed out of sight during the instructional time of the school day (class time, passing periods, and recess) and at any other time when directed by a District employee.
2. Not disrupt the educational program or school activity. If the device is used at an inappropriate time, it may be confiscated. If a school employee finds it necessary to confiscate a device, he/she will give the device to school administration so that the parent can be notified. A parent/guardian will be required to pick up the device from the school. A student who violates this policy may be restricted from possessing a personal electronic signaling device at school or school-related events.
3. The school takes no responsibility for the loss or damage of such devices.

24. Science Curriculum
Riverview STEM Academy will use Project Lead The Way, known as PLTW as the primary STEM curriculum. PLTW is an innovative, project-based approach that fosters collaboration and builds critical thinking skills.
PLTW aligns to Common Core State Standards for Math and English Language Arts, Next Generation Science Standards, and other national and state standards.

25. Additional Science Curriculum
Engineering, It’s Elementary
AIMS – Integrated Math and Sciences Activities
iReady Assessment and student lessons
Aerojet – Aerospace curriculum
BeeBots Robotics
Accelerated Math
Accelerated Reader
Virtual Field Trips and Conferences
Education City – ELA, Math, & Science
District Adopted ELA, Math, & Social Studies

26. I look forward to an amazing year with your kids!
Thank You!
I look forward to an amazing year with your kids!