3. Our goal is for students to be able to articulate high levels of thinking in purposeful conversations and critical writing.

4. What does it mean to be a Title I School? Being a Title I school means receiving federal funding (Title I dollars) to supplement the school’s existing programs. These dollars are used for… –Identifying students experiencing academic difficulties and providing timely assistance to help these student’s meet the State’s challenging content standards –Purchasing supplemental staff/programs/materials/supplies –Conducting parental Involvement meetings/trainings/activities –Recruiting/Hiring/Retaining Highly Qualified Teachers Being a Title I school also means parental involvement and parents’ rights.

5. Schedule Communication Reading/Social Studies Workshop Writing Workshop Math Workshop Science P.E. Homework Scholastic Grading/Report Cards Enrichment/Critical Thinking Behavior Expectations Volunteer Opportunities Celebrations The Racing Schedule

6. Attendance Excellent attendance is strongly encouraged. The state of Texas requires 90% of days present. The snapshot time is 9:30 am. when attendance is turned in so please make every effort to have your child at school at that time. Whenever your child must be absent, please call the school office to report the absence at (817)215-0800 or email: lloftin@nisdtx.org Students may enter the building at 7:15 each morning. School begins at 7:45.

7. Schedule 7:15 - 7:40 Breakfast (optional) 7:25- 7:40 Greet children/morning procedures 7:45-7:50 Announcements 7:50-8:30 Calendar/songs, Morning Message (Shared Writing) 8:30-9:45 Readers Workshop (whole group) Opening Meeting (10 min) Work Stations (independent practice) (40 min. eventually) Closing Meeting (10 min) 9:45-10:30 Math (whole group, guided practice and independent practice in math stations) 10:35-11:05 Recess 11:05-11:35 Lunch 11:35-12:45 Writers Workshop (whole group) Opening Meeting (10 min) Work Stations (independent practice) (40 min. eventually) Closing Meeting/Authors Chair (10 min) 12:50-1:45 Specials (P.E. everyday; art and music twice a week Monday – Thursday) 1:45-2:30 Science 2:30 Pack Up and Classroom Jobs 2:45 Dismissal Schedule may vary due to assemblies, field trips, and library visits. Items in red are times when you will not find us in our room.

8. Communication C.U.B. (Clever Useful Book) Please make sure to sign daily. Email Address: slogan@nisdtx.org Office Phone Number: 940-648-2255 817-215-0800 Classroom: 817-215-0844

9. Reading/Social Studies Workshop Opening Meeting – We open our workshop with a story, a focused skill, and a guided practice. Work Period – The students rotate between literacy stations where they practice reading, writing, and working with words. Activities are designed to accommodate each students individual skill level. Closing Meeting – We close our workshop block with the students sharing their learning. *Social Studies is taught throughout this workshop.

10. Writing Workshop Opening Meeting – We begin with focusing on a skill from an author’s and a reader’s perspective. Work Period – The students will illustrate and write a story. Closing Meeting – We close our workshop block with an Author’s Chair. This gives students an opportunity to share his/her story with peers.

11. Math Workshop Opening Meeting – We also open this workshop with a lesson focusing on a math skill. Work Period – The students rotate between 4 stations where they practice various skills. Closing Meeting – We close our workshop block with the students sharing their learning. This gives the students the opportunity to see how math can be done in different ways.

12. Science Process, Inquiry, Physical – The students are learning how to observe and record physical changes and properties using their five senses. Earth and Space Life Systems

13. Special Area Grades To help students understand Quality Work and “Effort Produces Achievement”, all special area grades will start with an “S” for SATISFACTORY. Students will be encouraged to work above the standard to reach “E” for EXCELLENT.

14. Homework Homework will be sent home weekly. It will go home on Monday and needs to be completed and returned on Friday. Homework will include daily reading. We encourage each child to read the books from their book bags every day as well as being read to by an adult. It’s important that good reading is modeled.

15. Scholastic Classroom Magazine This is a non-fiction, informative child friendly version of the newspaper. This includes a monthly complimentary Parent and Child magazine. Book Orders Periodically we send home a Scholastic book order form. This is an inexpensive way to purchase quality books. It has several beginning readers’ books and other educational resources.

16. Grading/Report Cards The first six weeks of Kindergarten is considered an adjustment period. We will conduct parent conferences with each family instead of sending home report cards. Progress reports will go home every three weeks, beginning the second six weeks. The students’ grades are determined by the results of their assessments. Developmental reading levels, letter identification/sound association and sight words are regularly assessed.

17. 4 Star Behavior Expectations Cafeteria Stay seated, knees under the table “No Talking Zone” on the brown tiles Use your inside voice Clean up your area Restroom Quiet, “No Talking Zone” Clean up after yourself Wash your hands Be timely, return to class Hallway Hands down, showing self-control Quiet, others are learning Walking feet Facing forward

18. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are ALWAYS welcome at Justin Elementary. You may volunteer services, time or supplies. You may volunteer here at school or in the comfort of your own home. Watch D.O.G.S.-Dads, Uncles, Grandpas Mentoring Moms Background check-Can be completed online through the NISD website. Library Day Art Day

19. Celebrations Birthdays – Kdg treats can be brought at 2:15. School Party Days – Christmas and Valentine’s Day Assemblies – Every Friday 7:45 a.m.

20. Thank you to Texas Motor Speedway for sponsoring this opportunity. We are in competition with Hatfield Elementary and Clara Love Elementary for fun and prizes. What a great opportunity for all of us to reinforce the LOVE OF READING. Kindergartners need to read or be read to every night. Read at least two books a night. Speed to Read

21. Thank you so much for joining us!!