1. SFA Expectation Night September 11, 2013

2.  The theme of our first grade classroom is “Wild About Learning.” Our classroom reflects a safari-based theme with many decorative elements related to this found throughout the classroom.

3.  Reading  Spelling  Math  Science  Social Studies  Religion  Writing  Handwriting

4.  First grade students will discover the world of reading through the Open Court reading program.  This reading program will guide students through decoding skills and sight word vocabulary needed to help become fluent readers.

5.  The program focuses on the five essential components of effective reading instruction: 1. Phonemic Awareness 2. Systematic, Explicit Phonics 3. Fluency 4. Vocabulary 5. Text Comprehension

6.  Applying the links between letters and sounds to printed words  Developmental sequence of sound spellings  Decodable Books help students apply, review, and reinforce sound/spelling correspondences

7.  Our spelling program will begin the week of September 29 th.  Every Monday of each week, your child will be assigned 5 new words. As the weeks progress, it will increase to 10 words per week.  Each group of weekly spelling words focus on high frequency words and consonants blends/digraphs which are taught during that week

8.  Implemented starting September 2013  Innovative math curriculum that is aligned with Common Core Curriculum Standards and is based on foundational research  enVision math features interactive lessons and stories, manipulatives and math games, and technology components for learning

9. Core First Grade Math Concepts 1. Addition and Subtraction Number Sentences through 18 2. Graphing and Data Collection 3. Geometry 4. Measurement 5. Money 6. Time 7. Place Value

10. Over the course of first grade, students will learn about the following science topics 1. Animals 2. Plants 3. Weather

11.  In Social Studies, students will learn about their community and the people who contribute to their community.  We will also learn mapping skills, American symbols, and talk about many famous Americans as well.

12.  First grade students also implement the Scholastic Weekly magazine as a part of their Social Studies and Science curriculum.  This magazine is a weekly magazine that connects to many seasonal topics across both Social Studies and Science curriculums.  The cost/student for this yearly subscription will be announced later this month.

13.  In religion, students will learn how Jesus wants us to love one another.  We will learn stories about the life of Jesus and of the many holy days/holidays that occur throughout the Liturgical year.  Throughout the school year, students will also learn and master their prayers.

14.  Students will continue to develop their writing skills through writing prompts and classroom assessments.  The John Collins Writing Program focuses on FCA’s or Focus Correction Areas, where students can pinpoint their writing to key aspects within each assignment.

15.  In first grade, we will continue to implement the Zaner-Bloser handwriting curriculum which has been previously used in kindergarten.  Zaner-Bloser is a research-based handwriting program that promotes developmentally- appropriate practice of fine-motor handwriting skills and techniques.

16.  Homework will be given on Monday – Thursday  Each assignment should take around 10 minutes a night  Practice reading Decodable books at home with your child  Read with your child each night  Spelling homework will begin September 29 Monday: write each word 3 times Tuesday: Math Page (both sides) Wednesday: use the second 5 words in sentences Thursday: study for the spelling test.

17.  We have a snack time each morning.  Due to food-borne allergies found in our classroom, please have your child bring in snacks that do not contain milk or peanut products.  Snacks that contain milk or peanut products may be eaten only in the cafeteria at lunch time.

18.  Our class will visit the Thayer Public Library once a week.  Each child should have his or her own library card to use. They can bring their cards in each week or I can hold onto them in the classroom.  Students will be able to borrow two books each time we visit the library provided that they do not have any books overdue.  Families will be notified when our first library visit will be.

19.  Birthdays are an exciting time in the life of a child. In order to keep our students safe, we will have a food-free birthday celebration.  When it is your child’s birthday, they may bring in one of their favorite stories from home for me to read during our whole group read aloud.  Your child will also be given a birthday certificate and pin on the day of their birthday!

20.  School may begin entering school everyday at 7:40 AM. It is very important that your child arrives to school on time.  If your child is absent from school, please send in a note explaining the reason for their absence on the day of their return.

21.  Every month, students will receive a monthly order form for books from the Scholastic Book Club.  Scholastic Book Club is an opportunity to purchase many popular book titles and series at a cost-efficient price.  Every time you order a book from the book club, you will help your child’s teacher earn points for her own classroom library.

22.  Each classroom has two parent volunteers to serve as our room parents. Room parents are responsible for organizing school-wide fundraisers and events.  Volunteers are also needed at our annual Ornament Day in December.  If you would like to volunteer, fill out your CORI form before leaving tonight.

23.  W.I.L.D. stands for Well Informed Learners Daily.  We will be using a binder to help with organizational skills. This binder will go home and come back to school each day.  The binder features pockets for homework, assignments, notes, and office papers.

24. 1. Always try our best. 2. Respect each other. 3. Raise hands. 4. Work quietly. 5. Play and work safely.

25.  Our classroom features a clip chart behavior chart to monitor the daily behavior of our students.  The clip chart consists of a chart that has been divided into levels. All of the children start the day on Ready to Learn. Then, during the course of the day, the children move their clothespins up or down the chart, based on the behavioral choices they make. If they are making good choices, they can move their clothespin up a level at a time. Inappropriate behavior would cause them to move down a level.  Since the children start in the middle of the chart, they have numerous opportunities to work their way up the chart. This really helps the children realize that they have to have self- control and be responsible for their actions and behavior if they want to be recognized for making good choices.

26.  Monday: Computer and Italian  Tuesday: Art  Wednesday: Spanish  Thursday: Physical Education and Library  Friday: Music and a weekly Religion Lesson with Father Bob Milling

27.  If you ever have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please feel free to get in touch with me.  Email: jgratta@sfab.orgjgratta@sfab.org  Telephone: (781) 848-0842 Ext. 38