Welcome to First Grade! We are going to have a wonderful year! Below you
will find answers to some of your questions about our class and school.
Absence
If your child is ill, please call the office (865-5119) and inform us of
your child’s absence and the reason for the absence. This is for your
child’s safety. If a student must leave early for a doctor’s appointment, go
to the office to sign him out and the secretary will call him to the office.
Never send another person to pick up your child, without informing me or the
school secretary.
Attendance
Attendance is very important! A successful school experience is the
responsibility of the child, the parent and the school. Your child's
progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by
daily participation.
Arrival and Dismissal
Your child will go to the auditorium each morning and sit with his or her
classmates until I come to get them. There will be duty teachers there each
morning at 7:40. School begins promptly at 8:00.
AFTERNOON DISMISSAL: your child will be dismissed from the auditorium.
Anytime there is a change from your child’s normal departure, I MUST have a
written note or you may call the
office before 1:00 and leave the message.
Art
The children will attend a 30 minute Art class once a week with our art
teacher.
Backpacks
To help your child carry his or her folder, projects and other
information to and from school, you are asked to provide a large backpack
(no wheels,please). Students will have a plastic take-home folder that is to
travel from school to home EACH day. Please check your child’s folder every
day and read through the information in it.
**When money is sent to school for any reason (lunch, book orders, t shirts,
etc.) please send it in an envelope labeled with your child’s name, my name,
the amount and what it is for.**
Birthdays
Birthdays are special occasions. You are welcome to bring in the snack that
day and stay to share this time with your child. Please try to be at our
door between 2:00 – 2:15. To protect tender feelings, please do not ask me to
pass out invitations at school unless there is one for every child. Summer
birthdays will be celebrated in August and May.
Book Orders
Most months I will send home Scholastic book order forms for you and your
child to look over. This club offers wonderful books at reduced prices---
what a great way to build your home library! If you choose to order, you may
order on line at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Breakfast
A school breakfast is served every morning from 7:45 - 8:00 a.m. The
breakfast menu will be sent home weekly. Students who want to eat breakfast
should go straight to the cafeteria upon arrival at school.
Computer
The children will attend a 30 minute computer class with Mrs. Hendrix each
week. We also are fortunate enough to have six computers and three Ipads in
our classroom. We use a variety of age-appropriate programs that reinforce
math, science and reading skills. Children will work on the computers at
various times during the day.
Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences are encouraged. We want parents to be informed
on all phases of our school program. I am available to talk with you when
prior arrangements have been made. Please write me or call and make an
appointment that is convenient for both of us.
Discipline
Our classroom is a small community where teamwork and good relationships are
encouraged. We will spend time learning class procedures/routines and
practicing them. Each child is expected to behave appropriately in the
classroom. To establish good order and help the children learn self-control,
they will be guided to respect themselves and their companions through
specific directions, positive reinforcement, suggested new activities and
responsible actions.
The Pirate Pals will be provided many opportunities to develop skills in
cooperation, responsibility, self-control, creativity, and independence.
Should a child have difficulties following acceptable classroom behavior:
The first time I will give a verbal reminder (we all forget sometimes)
The second time a child will be redirected or have "time out" to think about
his or her behavior
With serious, recurrent behaviors (fighting, verbal attacks, defiant
actions, etc.) a child will be sent to the office to talk with our counselor
or principal. Parents will be notified.
Please know that I provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for
all the children. I will always contact you if I feel that there is a
situation that needs to be discussed. If you
have any questions or concerns, please contact me. See our classroom
promises (rules) below.
Drama
Students will attend a 30 minute class with Ms. Bourgeois twice a week.
They will work with puppets, storytelling, role-playing, etc.
E-mail
You can contact me via email. My address: fyates@caddo.k12.la.us
I will check my email as often as possible. If you need to discuss
something urgently, please call me at school instead.
Enter and Exit
After the first few days, please allow your child to enter the school
building independently. If your child clings to you and cries about your
leaving, the best thing to do is to leave quickly. The longer you stay, the
more difficult the situation will be. Those who cling and cry calm down
within a few minutes and enjoy school. Remember ... quicker goodbyes leave
drier eyes!
Field Trips
We plan several field trips that are both fun and educational for the
children. Buses will be used for transportation. We often need parent
volunteers on the trips, and chaperones will be chosen on a first come first
serve basis (younger siblings cannot go along). Please return permission
slips as soon as possible after they are sent home.
Fire Drills
Fire drills are held on a monthly basis throughout the year. All students
will participate and are expected to walk quickly and quietly to their
designated exit. We will practice and become familiar with procedures
before our first scheduled drill.
Gym
Students will have a 30 minute p.e. class each week with Mrs. Hollins.
They are asked to wear sneakers with socks on P.E. days. Girls might
consider wearing pants/shorts or having a pair of shorts on under their
dresses.
Hands on Learning
I feel that the best way to help children learn is to make learning fun.
Important concepts can be learned by doing meaningful hands-on activities.
There are a few times when seatwork is required and necessary, but for the
most part, our classroom will be an active learning environment.
Health
Please let me know of special circumstances which may affect your child.
These could include medication that may make him sleepy. Also, please let me
know of any allergies your child may have, especially food allergies. We
sometimes do food activities to complement lessons in first grade and it
would be helpful to know when I plan our recipes. It is very important to
let me know if there should be any changes at home or a death in the family.
Homework
Homework will be sent home once a week on Monday afternoons and is expected
to be returned on Friday mornings. Your child should complete this work
him/herself, under your supervision. Completing and returning homework helps
build a sense of responsibility and prepares him/her for the homework s/he
will have to complete in later school years. Homework should be your child’s
best work. Returning neatly completed work on the due date will strengthen
your child's sense of accomplishment.
Occasionally, I’ll ask your help in completing “family” projects. It is
called a family project because the entire family is encouraged to get
involved. For example, in September I will send home several activities to
work on as a family. These projects will become part of our classroom.
Illness
The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a
difficult one, especially when decisions must be made first thing in the
morning. It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is
ill. This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from
becoming ill. Children function more effectively in the classroom when they
are healthy
Independent Reading
Because children learn to read by reading, they need plenty of opportunities
to read independently. Sufficient time and appropriate materials are
necessary to develop and strengthen reading abilities. By giving the
children time to read both at school and at home, we can work together to
provide a literature-rich environment and a life-long love of reading.
Journals
One strategy that will be used to help convey the vital concept that “print
conveys meaning” is the frequent use of journal writing. In these journals
the children combine their emerging writing skills with their drawing
skills. Last year in KG the children were exposed to a variety of phonics
and reading experiences. This year their journals will move from drawings
and “inventive” to more conventional and drawings that are much more mature.
Kindness
Students in our classroom are encouraged and expected to treat all members
of our class as well as others with kindness and respect. Bothering others,
bullying and interrupting learning will not be permitted.
Library
The children go to the library on Monday mornings. In the library Mrs.
Shamburg will introduce them to special stories and
authors. In a few weeks the children will have a chance to select a book to
borrow for a week. Their books will need to be returned on Friday mornings.
Literacy Centers
During languague arts the children practice reading and writing skills while
the teacher works with individual children or small guided reading groups.
The center activities are designed to strengthen handwriting, letter/sound
knowledge, phonics, phonemic awareness, listening skills, oral language
expression, rhyme, letter formation, develop reading and writing strategies,
and promote cooperation.
Lunch
We will eat lunch from ? each day. Students may bring a packed
lunch from home or eat a school lunch. The lunch menu is published weekly in
a school newsletter sent home each Friday. The cafeteria has a computerized
prepayment plan. Students may pay in advance by the week, month, or any
length of time. NO CHECKS may be sent.
Math
The first grade mathematics curriculum provides students with mathematical
experiences that help them develop number sense and a positive attitude
towards mathematics that will continue through their school career and their
lives. We use a hands-on, problem solving approach. Your child will
experience higher order problem solving activities. I refer to these
problems as their math vitamins.
Medication
When it is necessary for a student to take medication at school, there is a
form that the doctor must fill out before we can administer any medicine. We
cannot administer medication at school unless this form is signed. Please
pick up a form from the office so that your doctor may answer the questions
and sign the form.
Music
Our music teacher, Mr. Brutus, will be teaching the children the basics of
music education and will be sharing many wonderful songs! We are scheduled
to have music once a week. Of course, I will be singing and enjoying music
with the children daily.
Newsletter
Our weekly newsletter, Pirate Log, is generally sent home on Mondays.
This will keep you informed about what is happening in our class---the
skills we are learning, vocabulary words, poems or songs to practice,
special activities and upcoming events. Sometimes there will be an activity
attached to help your child practice skills at home. You can always check
our webpage for more current information.
Parent Involvement
Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends
the message that you value school! We are always happy to have your help
for special activities in the classroom. I will try to let you know at least
a week ahead of time if I need help. Requests for help will be published in
our weekly newsletter and on our webpage. I hope that you can come and join
in the fun!
Parties & Celebrations
There are two main parties each year--- Christmas and the end of year. The
room parents usually organize these events and coordinate volunteers and
donations. All are welcome to participate in the festivities! We will have
some other celebrations that will require organizing throughout the year
Playground Procedures
There are two playgrounds. Please review these playground safety procedures
with your child:
*no toys on the playgrounds
*drain ditch - off limits
*slide down the slides on your bottom, feet first
*sticks, woodchips, shells, dirt,etc are to remain on the ground
*never leave the playground without asking a teacher first
*if you see an animal on the grounds, do not touch it, tell a teacher
*line up immediately when bell rings
**Students who do not follow these safety rules will be asked to sit down.
We want everyone to have a safe and fun time on the playgrounds.***
PTA
We have an active PTA and all parents are asked to join. We will send out
announcements pertaining to PTA meeting dates and times. The “PTA Post” has
monthly calendars with scheduled events shown on the calendar.
Recess
The children will play outdoors before lunch each day (unless it is raining
or too cold/hot). Please keep this in mind when helping your child select
clothing for the day. If your child is too sick to play outside, he is too
sick to come to school. There is no recess supervision available for
children to stay indoors at recess. Afternoon recess will be at my
discretion
Report Cards
Report cards are issued every nine weeks. These reports reflect the
progress your child has made toward various first grade objectives. Your
child will receive letter grades.
Restroom
Please have your child use the restroom shortly before coming to school. We
will go to the bathroom once in the morning, before lunch and once in the
afternoon. Of course, we have a bathroom in our classroom that the children
use whenever needed. Please make me aware of any medical problem that might
require frequent restroom trips.
Room Parent
This is a wonderful opportunity for you! The room parent's job is to be
available for any number of things: to help coordinate parties and
activities; to seek volunteers for field trips and events; and to help with
special occasions. Being a room parent is a great way to be involved in
your child’s school life. You may sign up to become a room parent at our
orientation meeting.
Science
The focus of the first grade science curriculum is on developing an
awareness of the world in which we live. Through scientific inquiry,
concepts will be presented in the life and earth sciences, including the
study of animals and plants, the five senses and general health, and the
four seasons. These areas will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-
on approach.
Social Studies
The first grade social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how
they relate to others in their families, classroom, school, and community.
Activities will help the children focus their natural curiosity for the
world around them.
Toys
Bringing toys to school is discouraged for a number of reasons. If a toy is
accidentally lost or broken, feelings will be hurt. Books are okay to bring
in, just please make sure that they are clearly marked with your child's
name.
Unique
First Graders learn that they are special and unique.
First Graders have opportunities to describe how they are alike as well as
different from others. They share their culture and learn about different
cultures within the class.
Visitors
South Highlands has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including familiar faces) are
required to check in at the school office. S H welcomes and encourages
family involvement. It is important to remember that while this may seem
inconvenient to frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the
school to create a safe learning environment
Website
Our class has a webpage which can be accessed at
http://www.southhighlandsmagnet.org
Click on first grade, then Yates. Check in regularly to find information
about curriculum, special events and school news. It will feature photos of
our class activities--it's the next best thing to being in our classroom!
Please promptly return the web permission form, which permits me to include
your child's photo and first name on our webpage.
Wish List
Throughout the year we sometimes need supplies above and beyond our
classroom materials (such as wiggle eyes or paper plates.) These needs will
be posted on the class website. Any items that you think we might be able
to use and would like to donate please send them to school or drop them off.
Writing
Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. Your children
will be encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments in
writing. Providing a risk-free environment is paramount to your child's
progress in writing. If possible, please provide your child with writing
tools, such as pencils, crayons, markers and paper at home.
Younger Siblings
It is in your child’s and the program’s best interest to have our parent
volunteers available without younger children. This not only allows your
full attention to be focused on the class, but also allows for some special
time between you and your kindergartner. Thank you for making childcare
arrangements for younger siblings.
Zzzzs
NO naps in first grade! YEA!!
Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime
is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be
alert and ready to learn each day!