WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE!!!
In the first grade Angel class, your child will experience one of the most
incredible years in his/her school career! First grade is an exciting time
as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. This is a
year of important transition, as well as one in which acquisition of new
skills is accelerated. Your child will learn how to read, write stories,
add, subtract, and so much more. I hope to instill a love of learning!
Children may be apprehensive about what will happen in first grade. It is
extremely important to keep in mind that we build on small successes. Each
child will progress at his/her own rate, acquire new skills as he/she is
developmentally ready. Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a
secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority in our
first grade. We try to celebrate a child's success, no matter how small it
may seem. This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud
of their work.
It is a pleasure to meet new students and begin a full year of enriched
learning. The first few weeks will consist of activities that will enable
the students to get to know each other. The goal is for our classroom to
come together as a community and feel comfortable working together. Our
classroom is one of action, participation, and hands-on involvement. The
emphasis will be on trying your best and and taking risks. I plan to
provide a safe and nurturing environment for my students so they will be
able to become all that they can be. Working together, we can assure that
every child feels welcomed and receives the best education possible. I
believe that teamwork and communication between parents and teachers is
vital. I will do my best to keep you informed and involved in your child's
classroom life. If you need to contact me, you can reach me by note or
email.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ARRIVAL
Please see that your child is at school between 7:40-7:55. Children will be
working in their journals after they unpack. Your child has a pleasant,
peaceful start of their day if they are not rushed or tardy.
ABSENT
If your child is absent, the assignments and books will be sent to the
office at the end of the day. Please call and request the work. Please
arrange to pick them up.
TARDINESS
If your child is tardy, please go to the office and check in.
DISMISSAL
At 2:55 the school bell rings. Mrs. Lucille will walk the children
to the ramp. If your child is in Aftercare, I will bring them to the
proper place. Please send a note letting us know if your child takes
the bus, ramp, or Aftercare.
SNACKS
Please send a healthy snack that can be eaten during the ten minute recess
break. Mark your child's name on the plastic bag or the snack. Your child
should be able to open their own snack.
WATER BOTTLES
Your child may have a water bottle at school provided they use it carefully
and properly. A name is required on the bottle. It can not be refilled at
school. The child safe twist cap is the ONLY kind we use.
RED FOLDER
Check your child's red folder and sign written homework each night. Take out
daily papers and review them with your child. Review the behavior chart
which is stamped every day and then place red folder in their school bag.
On TUESDAYS the test papers will be sent home. Please sign the attached
slip and return the next day.
SUPPLIES
Please replenish supplies as they run out. (label everything) Supplies in
the red pouch include: 5 sharp pencils with clean erasers, scissors, glue
stick, and 8 assorted crayons.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be assigned daily except Friday. The assignments can be found
on my website. Incomplete classwork may also be sent home for completion.
All homework will be checked. A homework grade will be determined at the
end of the nine weeks. One ANGEL TICKET will be required for missed or
incomplete homework. The children are instructed as to which books are
needed for that night's work. Please CHECK and INITIAL the homework daily.
Return all written assignments in the red folder.
REPORT CARDS
A final 9-week grade will be determined by a combination of daily grades and
test grades. Daily grades will include homework, assigned in-class work,
neatness, participation, and quizzes. Math tests may be given unannounced.
TESTS/PROJECTS 45%
QUIZZES/HOMEWORK 45%
PARTICIPATION 10%
(six tests and or projects and 6 quizzes plus homework and participation)
DISCIPLINE
We will use the "STOPLIGHT" system as part of our discipline program. Every
morning the children will begin their day with a GREEN light. When an
inappropriate behavior occurs, the light will be turned YELLOW. The first
light change will serve as a warning to the student that his/her behavior
should improve. A second light change in the same day will result in a RED
light. At this time a note will be sent home informing the parents that a
red light was reached. We would like you to discuss any notes sent home.
We feel it is important that your child recognizes his/her mistakes and is
able to explain them to you. Each time a light is changed, 1 point (YELLOW)
and 2 points (RED) will be deducted from a total of 100 points per 9 weeks.
Along with the number of lights turned, cooperation, proper attitude, and
degree of effort displayed toward proper behavior will also determine final
9 week grades. You will receive daily updates on your child's behavior
throughout the 9 weeks.
CLASSROOM RULES:
1. SHOW LOVE, KINDNESS, AND CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER
2. KEEP HANDS, FEET, AND OTHER OBJECTS TO YOURSELF
3. RESPECT OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY
4. ALWAYS TRY YOUR BEST
5. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN
ANGEL FUN DAY
As a reward for proper behavior, the last convenient day of the month will
be designated as ANGEL FUN DAY. (Adjustments will be made accordingly in
regards to holidays.) On this day, the children can have a "relaxed"
afternoon with various art projects, cooking projects or "shopping sprees".
Throughout the month, the children will have an opportunity to earn "ANGEL"
tickets for good behavior. Four "ANGEL" tickets will be needed to choose a
prize from the treasure chest on this day. We will staple a zip-lock bag
into your child's red folder. Please replace the bag when necessary. Each
student will be responsible for having their tickets at school on our FUN
DAY. If the tickets are not at school, they cannot participate in the
activity. Please check your child's folder each night to insure that the
tickets are there. Angel tickets can also be returned for various reasons
such as: missing supplies, incomplete homework, behavior, or missing
signature on a homework sheet, etc.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Birthday party invitations may NOT be distributed at school.
Monthly birthdays are celebrated at school with a box drink and a small
birthday snack (cupcake, cookie, or cake CUT into 32 pieces). This may be
sent to the office on the morning of our celebration. Our Birthday Mom will
organize this special event. Please note that summer birthdays will also be
scheduled.
MASS
Parents are welcomed to attend mass throughout the year. Please sit with
your child and help to keep this a holy and prayerful experience.
ROOM MOM
Our room mom will be contacting you about class activities. Please
volunteer and join in on the fun. We have several exciting things planned
such as: MYSTERY READER, RELIGION ART PROJECTS, ANGEL FUN DAY, etc.
SPELLING and READING LISTS
On my website are the READING and SPELLING lists which will help you prepare
for our weekly tests. Each week, your child writes the words in their red dot
book. One red dot is the Reading Book and two red dots is the Spelling Book.
DOLCH LIST and HIGH FREQUENCY WORD LISTS
On my web page are the lists of WORD WALL WORDS. Children who learn these
words have a good base for beginning reading. Many of these words cannot be
sounded out because they do not follow decoding rules. These words must be
learned as sight words. Parents may want to make flashcards, bingo games, or
matching games for their child to practice.
ANGEL NEWS FLASH
PLEASE READ TO YOUR CHILD EVERY NIGHT. LET YOUR CHILD READ TO YOU. MAKE
FLASH CARDS FROM READING VOCABULARY WORDS. MAKE GAMES WITH THESE AT NIGHT.
ASK GENERAL QUESTION REGARDING THE STORIES. MAKE PRACTICE TESTS TO PREPARE
AND STUDY A LITTLE BIT EVERY NIGHT. BUILD BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES TOGETHER AND
SHARE YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND LOVE OF LEARNING. YOUR ANGEL IS A SPECIAL GIFT
FROM GOD!
