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 are
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. I will walk the children
to the blacktop for the carpool line. If your child is in Aftercare, Mrs.
Lucille 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.
Test papers will be sent home as soon as they are graded. Please check the
online grades to determine your child's progress.
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. One ANGEL TICKET will be required for
incomplete supplies in their pouch.
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 first thing in the morning. Completing homework
ON TIME encourages responsibility, provides opportunities for students to
develop time management, and organizational skills. 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
Many forms of assessments are used in our first grade classroom. Daily grades
consist of participation, group work, written work, and oral work. Report
card grades consist of tests (6 tests each quarter in major subjects), home
projects, and homework.
Grades:
A+ 100
A 99-95
A- 94
B+ 93-92
B 91-87
B- 86
C+ 84-85
C 83-79
C- 78
D+ 77-76
D 75-71
D- 70
F 69-0
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
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE SYSTEM
In order to provide our students with the excellent educational climate they
deserve, I have developed the following classroom discipline plan that will
be in effect at all times. You may want to discuss this with your child. I
will go over it in the classroom, but I want the children to know WE are
working together on this behavior plan.
Below is a list of our CLASS RULES THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
We will go over these rules on the first day of school to make sure the whole
class understands them.
CLASS RULES
1. Follow teacher’s directions the first time they are given
2. Keep hands and feet to self
3. Walk quietly in the halls and classroom
4. Raise hand to speak or leave desk
5. Treat others with respect and kindness
Each child will have a monthly behavior chart that will remain in their St.
Clement folder on the left hand side. Each day, we will mark a green, yellow,
red, or blue stamp to record their behavior for that day. There will also be
a rule sheet attached under the chart. If a child moves their card, a
corresponding number will be marked to explain their behavior. Please
reinforce good behaviors and manners at home to improve their behavior in
school. Please do not remove this chart or rule sheet from their folder.
REWARDS:
- Praise and encouragement
- Stickers
- Food Treats
- Glad Notes
- Stamps
- Treasure Chest
CONSEQUENCES:
- Move card
- Loss of fun time
- Elimination of stamp
- Note sent home
- Call to parent
Green Section (No moves): the student’s behavior is appropriate. He or she
is following both directions and rules. On their individual chart, the
student will receive a green stamp in the appropriate box.
Yellow Section: the student has been warned verbally about his or her
behavior and has chosen to break the rules anyway. On their individual chart,
the student will receive a yellow stamp (Y) in the appopriate box.
Red Section the student has chosen to further break the rules. On their
individual chart, the student will receive a red stamp (R)in the appropriate
box.
Blue Section: the student has chosen to further break the rules. On their
chart, the student will receive a blue stamp (B) in the appropriate box. Loss
of fun time (centers, free play, etc.) will be the consequence for this move.
At the end of each week, the students that have stayed on a GREEN light the
whole week will be able to pick out of the treasure chest.
Group Behavior:
We will have a marble system in our class to encourage good, whole-class
behavior. (ANGEL JAR) When the entire class is exemplifying good and positive
behaviors, they have the chance to gain a marble from the teacher. This also
goes for good behavior in activity classes. When the jar is full, the class
will be rewarded with a special surprise!
Please discuss this with your child so he/she can recognize their mistake and
be able to explain it to you.
Your cooperation and support for this method of discipline will be greatly
appreciated. Working together with this, we can make this a great year.
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, HEAVENLY
HANDS, CELEBRATING SAINTS 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!
