1. Back To School Night Welcome to First Grade

2. Meet our Team Cathy Peterman~ Team Leader Jaime Pickett~ Teacher Tom Cole~ Teacher Janet Yingling~ Paraeducator Patricia Mack-Preston~ Special Education Teacher Rosetta Delph~ Special Education Paraeducator Lauren Rollman – Special Education Paraeducator

3. Schedule 9:05~ Students Arrive 9:20-11:20~ Language Arts 11:20-11:50~ Content 11:50-12:50~ Recess and Lunch 12:50-1:10~ Content 1:10-2:30~ Math 2:35-3:35 - Related Arts 3:40~ Dismissal

4. Paws for Pride 3 R’s: * Respectful * Responsible * Ready to Learn

5. Reading and Language Arts Will be done in small groups based on individual student reading levels and needs. Grouping is flexible and can change as students grow and progress through the curriculum Uses a variety of texts to motivate and interest students.

6. Word Study This year Howard County is using a new program for vocabulary study in elementary grades. We are still receiving information about the program, Building Vocabulary Foundations. We will notify parents when decisions are made as to how first grade will implement the program to meet the needs of our students. There will be homework with the program.

7. Writing Our goal is to make writing as authentic and enjoyable as possible for the students. To do this we will be focusing on longer units that use literature and discussions that are developmentally appropriate. Each quarter we will focus on two of the three forms of writing, Informational, Opinion, and Narrative. Purposes for Writing quarter InformOpinionNarrative 1 Writing about Reading Personal Narratives 2 Author Study~ Book Reviews Friendly Letters 3 All about _______ books Realistic Fiction 4 How to Books Poetry~ free verse and rhyme

8. Writing Expectations Students will write as independently and completely as possible based on their developmental level. Students will use resources such as word walls, Quick Word books and other resources. Students will use phonetic spelling for more challenging words. Students will begin sentences with capital letters and end with punctuation.

9. Math 1 st grade is using the Common Core math objectives. We will teach the curriculum using manipulatives, hands on activities and games, as well as discussions and opportunities to share their thinking. Students are encouraged to explore, think, explain and share. This allows them to see multiple approaches and ideas that can help them be successful in math. Students will use Dreambox to practice math skills that are aligned with Common Core.

10. Where Can I Get More Information? HCPSS SMART Pages More information about the Common Core State Standards Specific grade level standards Optional activities you can do at home to support your student https://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org/SMART+Pa ges

11. Homework Math~ will be sent home on Monday and needs to be returned by Friday. Students are expected to practice skills on their Dreambox account at home for 30 minutes/week. This will be counted towards their homework grade. Reading/Spelling/Writing – TBD Tentative Date for homework to begin – September 15.

12. Classwork and Homework Expectations Work Expectations: I wrote my full name on my paper. I used my best handwriting. I used appropriate capitals and punctuation. I Jack Target. ! ? I added details to drawings and writing. I used a variety of colors when coloring. I reread my work and checked for accuracy.

13. Special Events and Info… Field Trips –The Maryland Science Center –The Baltimore Zoo –Toby’s Theatre Sign up for HCPSS News at hcpssnews.com

14. We love volunteers! Please consider volunteering this year. Volunteer times: 9:20 – 11:20 Reading/LA 1:10 – 2:10 Math Training session – Sept. 10

15. Thanks For Coming… We look forward to a great year!! Contact information: Mrs. Peterman cathy_peterman@hcpss.orgcathy_peterman@hcpss.org Mrs. Pickett jaime_pickett@hcpss.orgjaime_pickett@hcpss.org Mr. Cole tom_cole@hcpss.orgtom_cole@hcpss.org