Grab a vine and get ready to swing into our 2008-2009 1st Grade Safari of Learning. Welcome to Mrs. Ponton's 1st grade classroom. I'm just WILD about 1st grade! I'll be very busy changing pages and adding information over the next few weeks. The new classroom is getting close to being ready to welcome my new, energetic students. Until everything is ready here is some basic information to help you and your child get the upcoming school year off to a roaring good start.

School Supplies: Please refer to the 1st grade list for necessary supplies. Your child should have their supplies no later than Friday, Aug 22th. School Supplies

School Hours: School begins at 8:40 and day ends at 3:00, 2:00 on Wednesday. Your child should not be at school earlier than 8:15 unless they attend extended day.

Homework: Homework is sent home Monday - Thursday and is due the following day. Exceptions include projects and Take Home Bags. More information on each of these will be going home soon.

S.A.F.A.R.I. Organizational Notebooks: I'm excited that every classroom in 1st grade will have an organizational notebook this year. I've used these wonderful organizational tools in the past and know they will prove to be invaluable for our entire grade level. These notebooks are1 1/2 in binders that are designed to help your child become more organized and responsible. It will also ensure that parents receive all homework assignments, notes, and graded papers. Parents are expected to check the binders each night with your child. S.A.F.A.R.I. Details

Snacks: We will have a snack everyday from 10:15-10:30. Each child is responsible for their own healthy snack.

Rules/Procedures: Our classroom expectations are simple and designed to provide a safe, learning community:
1. Listen and work quietly. Do not disturb others with words or actions.
2. Keep your hands to yourself. (hitting, pushing, bullying, etc. will not be tolerated)
3. Respect others. (name calling, teasing is not allowed)
4. Respect the property of others.
5. Try your best to work and learn.
Color Coded Behavior System: We will be using a 4-color card system along with points to keep track of grrrrreat behavior choices. I'm in the process of renaming my behavior board to reflect our classroom theme. At the end of each day, your child will be coloring in the appropriate day with the color they earned for the day. On Friday, they will add up their points to see if they will be awarded a treasure box pick. To earn treasure box they need to earn at least 13 points with 15 being the maximum.
Green = 3 points, greeaaat day!
Blue = 2 points, a little monkeying around? 5 minutes lost at recess
Yellow = 1 point, a bit shakey, 15 minutes lost recess
Red = 0 points, difficult day, no recess with possible office visit.
Major discipline problems will result in an office referral.

Birthdays: It is school policy to not celebrate birthdays in the classroom. If you wish to send in a special snack for your child to share with his/her classmates that will be fine. It can not be cupcakes! Also, I do have a Happy Birthday take home bag will go home with each child the week of their birthday. It contains books to read at home, a journal to write about their special day. There are also a couple of treats for them to keep.

I look forward to a wonderful year with your child.
Your childís new 1st grade teacher,
Mrs. Ponton