WEEKLY THEME helps integrate our Language Arts. Using real literature and
books related to that theme we read about a topic and write about it. This
theme is stated at the beginning of the weekly newsletter.
We also use a Phonic’s workbook. You will see those pages come home on a
regular basis.
SPELLING – this year we have a spelling book where the students will learn
words based on a pattern. It incorporates thinking, reading, phonics and
writing.
JOURNALS – reading and writing go hand in hand. We learn to read by writing
and we learn to write by reading. We use 4 duotangs – one for each quarter.
MATH – emphasis is on number facts up to 10. It is important to use the flash
cards nightly. Timed tests will begin in January. Other concepts taught are
time, money, measuring and shapes. Math pages will come home often.
PORTFOLIOS – Several samples of writing are kept in a portfolio to be sent
home around report card time. Each piece is dated in order to see progress.
Please send in brown grocery bags for these.
FIRST GRADE COMMUNICATIONS – Each and every Monday a newsletter is sent home
to keep you informed as to the theme for the week, homework and other tidbits
going on in our classroom. You may also find this information on St. Al’s web
page.www.saintals.org.
HOMEWORK – varies nightly. It will be listed in the weekly newsletter. Every
night your child should review number facts, read and practice handwriting.
TABLETS needed for homework are sold for $3.00 here at school.
GYM CLASS is on Wednesday. First graders may wear gym clothes to school on
this day. Please clearly label clothing.
BIRTHDAYS may be celebrated by sending in a treat on that day. Please be sure
that the treat is something that can easily be distributed. Summer birthdays
will be celebrated in May or the child’s half birthday. A notice will be sent
to you at that time to decide on a date. NO PARTY INVITATIONS MAY BE SENT
THROUGH SCHOOL.
SNACKS are eaten during morning recess. Please send NUTRITIOUS snacks! And
something easy to eat!
LABEL your child’s clothing, backpack, lunchbox, etc. This is very important
as children often do not recognize their own belongings.
RECESS is at 9:30 and 11:30 EVERYDAY. Please see that your child is dressed
appropriately. We do go out in all weather but rain!
When ABSENT, a written note stating the reason for the absence is REQUIRED
when your child returns. Have some responsible person come to our class to
pick up homework.
Reading Program –In order to encourage good reading habits, each month I will
send home a monthly calendar for you and your child to keep track of how many
minutes you have read (or have been read to). I will require 150 minutes
each month or 15 minutes for 10 nights. You then need to initial the box on
the calendar for those nights and return it to school at the end of the
month. This program is homework and is required.
STAR OF THE WEEK is a program that helps promote self-esteem. Each child will
have a turn. A note will be sent home telling you of his/her turn. Please
help fill out the interview and gather some pictures and any other meaningful
things.
HOMEWORK BAG -- Your child will bring home a bag of sorts with activities and
directions that pertains to what we are learning in the class. This is an
opportunity for you to spend a little time with your child with some fun but
educational activities. You may keep it for only one night so that it can
circulate throughout the class. There are many bags with different activities
that will be circulating throughout the year. Have fun!
Our BIG SIB program is for the purposes of guidance and tutoring, role
modeling and sharing creativity. The children will be paired with an eighth
grader to do some reading, journal writing, and art projects. They meet once
or twice a month during class, but we meet every Friday for church. No gifts
or treats should be exchanged.
PARENT HELPERS are needed and wanted. Put preferred day and time on sign up
sheet. Your times will be confirmed in the nest week. Once a month is
preferred but if only once a year your child will be happy! It is mandatory
that you take the Child Decree Program and be fingerprinted before you can
help. This is mandated by the Archdiocese and you will need to show your card
for verification. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
COMMUNICATION is very important. If your child is having any difficulty or
you have any questions please contact me by: calling the school office and
leaving a message as to when is a good time to reach you; writing a note; or
emailing me at Schweinberg_e@saintals.org.
FRIDAY PACKETS will come home with the oldest child in school. This contains
all communication from the school office and the PTO.
Dismissal procedures should be settled by now. Please make sure your child
knows who she/he is going home with and where to meet them.
I’m looking forward to a great year!
