1. Mrs. Regina Garrahan 1 st Grade McDonald Elementary School 2014-2015 Room B7 Back to School Night Back to School Night

2. About Mrs. Garrahan I live locally with my husband and two beautiful children. In May 2004, I earned my B.S.ED.in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading from West Chester University. In Dec 2007, I received my Master’s degree from Arcadia University where I obtained my special education certificate. In addition to my master’s degree, I have also earned 40 post graduate credits. I have had the pleasure of teaching several grade levels including Autistic Support within the district.

3. Our School- McDonald School TimesSchool Times: 8:45-3:30 School ColorsGoldSchool Colors: Black & Gold School Mascot:School Mascot: Spike the Bull Dog PrincipalPrincipal: Mrs. Keely Mahan Assistant PrincipalAssistant Principal: Mr. Michael Van Buren School Wide Positive Behavior Plan-School Wide Positive Behavior Plan- Character Counts Silver Spoon AwardSilver Spoon Award Updating Skyward (online)Updating Skyward (online) Student handbooksStudent handbooks Conferences Held in the fall & WinterConferences -Held in the fall & Winter E-Alerts: sign up for messages from our school and our district at www.centennialsd.orgE-Alerts: sign up for messages from our school and our district at www.centennialsd.org

4. Our Daily Schedule –Literacy (Journeys) –Literacy (Guided Reading/Centers) –Writing Workshop –Lunch –Recess –Math –Healthy/Working Snack –Intervention /Enrichment –Social Studies/Science –Specials (A/B Weeks – Days 1-6)

5. Special Schedule DaysSpecialsTime 1 Health/Guidance/ Reading 2:40-3:25 2Gym1:55-2:40 3Library2:40-3:25 4Music2:40-3:25 5Art2:40-3:25 6Digital Literacy2:40-3:25

6. Expectations Character Counts –Six pillars Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship Bullying Policy- Please let us know if your child is being bullied. www.charactercounts.org

7. Snacks & Parties We are a nut free classroom! Items with nuts are not allowed in the classroom. Please pack your child with a healthy snack and drink. (please no cookies, candy or juice.) Water bottles are great and can be used all day. (Please make sure the top is kid friendly (sports cap) to help avoid spills.)

8. Curriculum Literacy: Journeys 2014 edition-designed to meet the PA Common Core standards 6 Units Phonics, spelling, comprehension and writing Whole group, small group, and independent instruction Weekly/bi-weekly and unit assessments Guided Reading/Centers –Small groups of leveled reading with instructional centers Daily Five Read to Self Read to Someone Listen to reading Word work

9. Curriculum continued… Mathematics: Everyday Math –Math concepts developed throughout the year as opposed to one chapter at a time –Hands-on approach/games Science: FOSS –Air/weather –Seeds and Plants Social Studies (1 st & 2 nd Marking Periods) –Networks Social Studies- Our Community and Beyond People & Traditions Where We Live Beginning Economics Good Citizens Skills & maps

10. Classroom Management Individual Bucket Filling –Students fill buckets by being kind, helping others and following directions. –Five “fillers” equal a reward from the reward menu. Traffic Light –Red- student continues to exhibit unexpected behaviors. –Yellow- warning that behavior needs to improve. –Green -expected behaviors (all students begin on green) –Colors will be recorded in their daily assignment sheet for parent(s)/guardian(s) to view. Class Goal – Marble Jar – Whole class behavioral plan –When jar is full, the students will vote on class reward. Parent Contact –Written or verbal immediately following any serious incident.

11. Homework Black Folders – HOMEWORK – back and forth daily Weekly Homework assignment sheet –Math Math Home links book- Check homework assignment sheet for page number. –Spelling Follow spelling menu on your child’s spelling homework. –Reading Read with your child each night. Fill out home reading log and return on Fridays to be checked. Word ring- review high frequency words all week and return on Fridays.

12. Wednesday Express Sent home every Wednesday. Return signed folder every Thursday. Black assessment folder- sign and return items back to school. Please sign up for e Alerts to “Go Green”

13. Healthy P.M. Snack Promoting healthy habits (Please refrain from sending in candy, cookies or other sugary snacks.) Water Bottles with safety caps permitted and students can drink from them throughout the day. No peanuts Sharing food is not permitted. Birthday Treats –No peanuts –Finger foods- cupcakes, brownies, pretzels, etc. –Pencils, erasers or donating a book to the classroom are great alternatives to food.

14. Class Parties H&S will not be collecting $ from parents for the Halloween or Valentine’s Day parties. This year, H&S will not be giving money to each classroom for the Halloween and Valentine’s Day parties – it will all be based on parent donations (food, crafts, games, etc.). H&S will address this during the Room Parent Meeting but that is not until Tuesday, September 23 th.

15. Star of the Week Schedule will be sent home with your child’s assigned week. What to do? –Complete “All About Me” poster (sent home 1 week prior to your child’s week.) –Bring in photos to go on board –Bring special objects to put on display

16. Volunteer Opportunities Clearances needed: Classroom helpers (centers, writing, etc.) (Please visit District Website under Human Resources to gain necessary paperwork.) One time visits: Mystery Readers Guest Speakers

17. CommunicationCommunication E-mail garrre@centennialsd.org garrre@centennialsd.org Phone: 215-441-6157 ext. 11357 My website: http://www.centennialsd.org//Domain/661 http://www.centennialsd.org//Domain/661

18. Questions? That was easy!