Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of 
students and parents.

1. How are birthdays celebrated in first grade?
2. What happens if my child forgets their homework?
3. My child doesn't want to do their homework. What should I do?
4. What are your first grade policies?
5. What is a typical day in First Grade?
6. How can I complete my service hours?

How are birthdays celebrated in first grade?

We love birthday snacks!  You may bring a small birthday snack 
(cookies and box drinks) to school the morning of your child's 
birthday celebration.  
Drop off the snack in the school office or bring it directly to 
the classroom.  The birthday child will pass out the snack at 
recess or lunch.  
Please refrain from sending goodie bags to school.

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What happens if my child forgets their homework?

Don't panic.  They can turn it in the next day.
If forgetting homework becomes routine or occurs more than once in 
a week, the student will be required to complete the homework 
during their recess and/or lunch time.

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My child doesn't want to do their homework. What should I do?

If homework time is becoming a problem, please send me a note and 
let me know.  There could be several reasons your child doesn't 
want to do their homework.  For instance, the homework may be too 
difficult or too easy for your child.  If this is the case, I can 
modify the homework to fit your child's needs.
If the homework is too difficult, please resist the urge to talk 
them through each question.  Instead, let me know and I will make 
it a point to reteach the material.  Chances are if the homework 
was difficult for one child, it was also difficult for other 
children.

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What are your first grade policies?

Class Work
Students are required to complete all class work and will be given 
an ample amount of time to complete the work.  All work not 
completed in class will be sent home to be completed.

Homework
Homework will be sent home daily.  All students are required to 
complete their homework and return it to school in their homework 
folder the following day.  
Parents are required to sign/initial their child's homework.
If homework is not completed and returned as stated above, a note 
requiring a parent�s signature will be sent home.  Students who 
make a habit of not turning in their homework will have to 
complete the homework during recess and/or lunch.
* If a student forgets their homework at school, Kid�s Klub or 
Grandma�s house, please send me a note letting me know the 
situation.  They can complete the work the next night.   

Ongoing Homework:
1.	It is expected that you will read with your child and 
listen to your child read.
2.	Students will study their spelling words and sight words 
daily.
3.	Students will study their addition math facts.
4.	Students will complete any unfinished work that has been 
sent home.

Behavior:
First grade has the following rules:
1.	Students must remain seated.
2.	Keep hands and feet to yourself at all times.
3.	Raise your hand if you wish to speak.
4.	Treat others the way you want to be treated.



Discipline Policy
I have adopted a two-step time-out approach to classroom 
discipline that was developed by Dr. Robert J. MacKenzie, an 
educational psychologist.  
If a student is being disruptive, they will be placed in a 5-
minute time-out at the time-out table in our classroom.  If they 
continue being disruptive and need to be placed in time-out more 
than 2 times, they will be sent to a buddy classroom for a 10-
minute time-out/cooling off period.  If this 
pattern needs to be repeated, the student�s parents will be 
called in for a parent-teacher-principal conference to discuss the 
student�s behavior as well as behavioral strategies that can be 
used at home and at school.
(If you have a strong-willed child and are having difficulty 
setting limits or giving your child logical consequences for their 
behavior, I recommend reading Setting Limits or Setting Limits 
with Your Strong-Willed Child by Dr. Robert J. MacKenzie.)

Bathroom/Water Fountain Policy
During class time, first grade students are required to use the 
restroom in pairs.  Therefore, in order to limit classroom 
interruptions, it is expected that students use the bathroom 
facilities and drink from the water fountain 
before school, at recess and at lunch.  If a student needs to use 
the restroom immediately following recess or lunch, they will be 
required to sit on the bench for 5 minutes at the next recess or 
lunch.  I do not allow the students to drink from the water 
fountain during class time.
If your child has special bathroom needs due to a medical 
condition , please let me know.

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What is a typical day in First Grade?

Language arts, math, religion and social studies/science are 
taught daily.  
Enrichment classes include Spanish, art, music, and physical 
education.  
Please click on the Schedule link above for the First Grade 
2009-2010 Class Schedule.

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How can I complete my service hours?

Some ways you can complete your service hours:
1. Join us on our fieldtrips.   
2. Bake goodies for the Sunday Bake Sales  (see WAAG for days)
3. Participate in School Events

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