1. WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE OPEN HOUSE Ms. Bengston room 106 Mrs. Deshaies/Mrs. McMeekin room 109 Mrs. Wolfe room 110

2. OUR BRADER MORNING As a Brader terrific tiger I pledge to give my best R.O.A.R. each day by showing my Respect, Outstanding Attitude, Achievement and Responsibility. ROAR!

3. RTI (RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION) RTI is the practice of providing high-quality instruction and interventions matched to student needs. This instruction is data driven. We will be progress monitoring each student (testing learning rate over time and level of performance) to make educational decisions.

4. RTI (RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION) In reading, students are assessed using the Dynamics Indicators of Basic Early Learning Skills screening (DIBELS) to determine performance levels and are grouped accordingly. Groups may change over time. In math, students have taken the math diagnostic assessment for needs base grouping.

5. RTI (RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION) In math, students are assessed using the CSD math diagnostic assessment for needs-based grouping.

6. ELA MORNINGS Text Talk Vocabulary program

7. ELA MORNINGS Guided Reading/Phonics Houghton Mifflin Reading Series

8. ELA CONTINUED Intervention Block/Centers Additional reading instruction is provided for children needing reading intervention Children will work in independent Learning Centers Small Group Instruction Children will receive instruction in a small group setting. These groups are formed based on data from DIBELS testing.

9. LUNCH IS 11:25-11:55

10. ELA WRITING Writing Workshop Children write daily during the Writer’s Workshop block. Children will begin to apply spelling strategies to their writing. Children will be using editing skills later in the year. They will learn to circle temporary spelling in their writing. We will be sharing writing with our class and with other classrooms.

11. OUR WRITING GOAL

12. MATHEMATICS Math Connects, published by Macmillan/McGraw-Hill First grade will be working on: Problem solving Time Measurement Fractions Computation (See the Common Core State Standards)

13. RECESS 12:45-1:15

14. MATH INTERVENTION Students will meet for small group intervention based on needs or participate in math learning centers.

15. SCIENCE Science investigation topics: weather organisms solids & liquids.

16. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT We will be utilizing 5 behavior levels to track daily classroom behavior. The 5 levels are: Earn Your Stripes You’re Doing Great Ready to ROAR Stop and Think Teacher’s Choice

17. SOCIAL STUDIES The four Social Studies strands are: Civics - Going to school (Citizenship), Good Citizens (Citizenship and Government) Geography - Land Around Us (Resources and Environment), All About People (Culture) Economics - Jobs People Do (Resources and Interdependence). History - Looking Back (Patterns and Changes)

18. FYI  Our school spirit color this year is RED. Please encourage your child to participate in school spirit days!  Students are permitted to have a small water bottle in the classroom. Please send bottles with a pull spout rather than a twist off cap, to help prevent spills. Also please no frozen water bottles because the condensation leaks onto their desk.

19. FYI  Homework packets will go home the first school day of each week.  Please have your child write his/her first and last name on each page.  Please check your child’s work to make sure it is neat and complete before it is turned into the teacher.  Homework packets should be completed and returned by the last school day of the week.

20. FYI CONTINUED  If your child is absent from school, please send a note to explain the absence when he/she returns to school. If no note is sent, this will be marked as an unexcused absence. Notes must be received within 5 days of return from absence.  Birthday celebrations: If you would like to send in a birthday treat for your child’s class, please first send a note to the teacher to check for the day. Then we are asking for store bought only (district policy) and if you send a small sweet, please send a healthy treat as well. For example mini cookies with bagged apple slices. Please send them in with you child in the morning.

21. FYI CONTINUED  Conferences are:  Monday November 23 rd and Tuesday November 24 th  Please sign up today!

22. VOLUNTEERS We would like to have parent volunteers for field trips, book buddies and classroom parents. If you are available to come in Friday mornings from 10-10:30 and/or 10:30-11 to be a Book Buddy, please sign up with your classroom teacher. All volunteers must have been approved with the district volunteer packet.

23. EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES  If your child needs an early dismissal, please write a note stating the day and time you would like your child to be dismissed. You must sign your child out in the office before leaving school. You may request an early dismissal up until 3:15. After that time, you will have to wait until 3:35 for walkers and car riders to be dismissed and still sign your child out at the office.  If your child does not have a note requesting an early dismissal, his/her teacher will follow the regular dismissal procedures. We cannot keep your child off a bus without a written note from the parent.

24. FIRST GRADE TRIMESTER INCENTIVES!! Students who display their R.O.A.R, and students who correct behaviors when reminded, will earn a first grade incentive each Trimester. These incentives will be fun, active relay events with activities based on a seasonal theme. First Trimester Incentive The Pilgrim Games Second Trimester Incentive The Bunny Games Third Trimester Incentive First Grade Field Day!

25. ACADEMIC FIELD TRIPS AND MORE

26. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US VIA EMAIL OR PHONE (302) 454-5959 Ms. Bengston room 106 deborah.bengston@christina.k12.de.us or phone ext. 102 deborah.bengston@christina.k12.de.us Mrs. McMeekin room 109 mary.mcmeekin@christina.k12.de.us or phone ext. 108 mary.mcmeekin@christina.k12.de.us Mrs. Deshaies room 109 lorajean.deshaies@christina.k12.de.us or phone ext. 105 lorajean.deshaies@christina.k12.de.us Mrs. Wolfe room 110 gretchen.wolfe@christina.k12.de.us or phone ext. 106 gretchen.wolfe@christina.k12.de.us