Salem Lutheran First Grade

August, 2009

Greetings to all in First Grade!                                                

 

Here are some A-B-Cs of First Grade:                                            

                       

1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God.
Now we ask you and urge you, in the Lord Jesus, to do this more and more.

           

Academic Fair –

Academic Fair is in the Spring, in April.  We hold an Open House in the classroom for you to view some of their work.  Then the children in grades K-5 present a program in the church with singing. 

 

Art -

Art is taught one day per week by Mrs. Ledford.  She displays their art work in the hallways.

 

Attendance -

School begins at 8:00.  Students may enter the classroom at 7:50.  If they arrive at school before 7:50, they may go to the cafeteria, which is supervised from 7:30 until the bell rings at 7:50.  Regular attendance (8:00 - 3:15) is encouraged.  Pick-up your child at the classroom door at the end of the day.  It is very helpful if we have a written note or an e-mail in advance when your child has different pick-up arrangements such as a different person or a different time.

 

Absences –

Whenever children are absent, the work that they missed will be given to them when they return to school.  Often they will be able to complete this work during the next school day, or it can be placed in the take-home folder.  If you are planning a vacation, you can pick up any work that was missed upon returning back to school.  Whenever an excused absence occurs, please submit a written note to the front office listing your child’s name, date of absence, and the reason for the excused absence.  When tardy, please stop at the front office to sign him/her in for the day.  If you need to pick up your child early, please stop at the front office to sign him/her out for the day, and the office will call your child’s classroom via intercom.  It is very helpful if we have a written note or and e-mail in advance if the child is having different pick-up arrangements such as a different person or a different time.

 

Belts –

Boys should wear belts whenever the chapel uniform is worn if their blue pants have belt loops.  The chapel uniform for boys is: blue pants with yellow shirt.  The chapel uniform for girls is: plaid jumper with white blouse.

 

Birthdays - 

We thank God each year for another year of life.  Individual birthday treats (donuts, cupcakes, brownies, Rice Krispie bars, cookies) may be sent for the entire class to enjoy.  Please let the teacher know what you will be sending and on what day you will send it so that we can accommodate for those students who have allergies.  Invitations to birthday parties may be sent to school IF you are inviting our entire class as is stated in the handbook.  Imagine how you would feel if you were the one left out.  Invitations should be given to the teacher who will hand them out. Please do not send a whole cake which is difficult to cut and serve.

 

Chapel -

Every Wednesday you are invited to join us in the church for worship at 8:20 - 9:00 AM.  During the year, the First Graders will prepare to lead a Chapel worship.  We'll let you know in advance if they need to learn any “parts” for chapel.  Every week during Chapel time we offer our time, talents, and offerings.  Our offerings are designated each month to be sent to special missions.  The chapel uniform for boys is: blue pants with yellow shirt.  The chapel uniform for girls is: plaid jumper with white blouse.

 

Computer Lab -

We are scheduled to work in the computer lab at various times during the week.   We use KidPix for creativity, Kidspiration for a graphic organizer, and Science programs, along with Internet activities. The Internet sites that we use are hot-linked from our classroom web site so you can see which sites the students will be using.  Plus, they can enjoy accessing the sites from home.

 

Choking Hazard –

The plastic top that screws off of a water bottle is a choking hazard.  Water bottles with a connected top are safer.  Thanks for helping to keep your child safe.

 

Discipline –

Our discipline is based on Matthew 7:12:  Do to others what you would have them do to you.

 

Dress Code –

The Handbook explains the dress code on pages 21 and 22.  “A listing of approved clothing items can be obtained from the front office.”  Girls do not need to wear dress shoes to chapel.  Boys should wear belts on chapel days if their blue pants have belt loops and tuck in their shirts.  The chapel uniform for boys is: blue pants with yellow shirt.  The chapel uniform for girls is: plaid jumper with white blouse.

 

Early Dismissals -

Please read the “Saints Alive”, or our class Web site (www.teacherweb.com/tx/salem/firstgrade) for reminders of which dates we dismiss early.  We dismiss early for monthly Faculty meetings and other events. When we dismiss at noon, we do not eat lunch at school.

 

Email –

We love email.  If you have any questions, one option is to email us.  Mrs. Kokel’s email is: jkokel@salem4u.com  Mrs. Schaekel’s email is:  jschaekel@salem4u.com  Miss Schlechte’s email is: aschlechte@salem4u.com

 

Excused Absenses –

Whenever an excused absence occurs, please submit a written note to the front office listing your child’s name, grade, date of absence, and the reason for the excused absence. 

 

Field Day -

Field Day, last Friday in April, is held on the campus of Our Savior Lutheran School.  This day involves track and field events in competition with other Lutheran schools for grades 1 through 4.  We ask that the parents transport and supervise their child at Field Day, or provide another adult to supervise your child, because the teachers are responsible for organizing the events.  Enjoy the day!

 

Field Trips –

Our field trips are “on-campus field trips” where the presenters come to our campus to do their performances.  This provides safety for our students and saves on travel expenses and travel time.

 

Folders -

Your child's “take-home” folder will be sent home every day.  On Wednesdays, the folder may contain information from the office. 

 

Grades -

Each grading period is nine weeks long.  You are also kept informed about your child’s daily progress when you view his/her daily work in his/her folder.

 

Homework -

• Math homework will be in the folder almost every day.
• Reading aloud to your children is both fun and important.  We encourage you to read to your children each night for 10 - 15 minutes.  Also let them find words that they can read on the page.  When possible, allow your child to read to you.
• Memory will be sent home during the first week of each of the nine-week periods.  The children may say a verse on any day of the week.  They may say only one verse per day.  This allows them to work at their own pace and learn each verse well.
• A spelling test will be taken once a week.  The words are listed each week on the web site.
• Other activities or projects might be assigned to be done at home.

 

Information -

The school calendar, Saints Alive school newsletter, and other information can be found online at:  www.salemlutheran.com  Classroom information can be found online at:  www.teacherweb.com/tx/salem/firstgrade   There is a link on each site to get to the other site. The family handbook is also a good source of information.  Teacher phone numbers:  Mrs. Kokel - 281-351-8122 ext 2330; Mrs. Schaekel - 281-351-8122 ext 2333; Miss Schlechte – 281-351-8122 ext 2332.

 

Kingdom Kids –

When your schedule changes, please be assured that your child is safe.  If your child is not picked up by 3:30, she/he will go to the “after-school care” called Kingdom Kids which is in our Community Center building.  We are thankful for this option so that you don’t need to feel stressed or anxious if running late.

 

Library Books –

Library books are due one week after being checked out.  We will let you know which is our library day.  They are allowed to check out 2 books at a time.

 

Lunch -

Lunch times are:

            Miss Schlechte’s class – 11:30

Mrs. Kokel's class - 11:35

            Mrs. Schaekel's class - 11:40

• Children may bring their own lunch.
• Hot lunch is available if ordered in advance and submitted with payment.  Please see the directions on the monthly menu.
• FYI - First graders do not have pizza lunches for birthdays or celebrations.
• FYI - First graders do not use the vending machines during the school day.

 

Medications -

For safety reasons, medicine, both prescription and over-the-counter, is kept at the nurse’s office.  Please take any medicines to the nurse along with directions for dispensing.  If you send us a note, we can help to remind the student when he/she should go to the nurse to receive medicine.

 

Music -

Music is taught by Mrs. Peggy Honeck on two days each week.

 

Obey -

God asks for our obedience and trust.  Our rules are for the safety of your child and everyone.  At school, our first rule is for students to obey the teacher and all school staff at all times. 

 

Parties -

Class parties are held for Christmas (Jesus’ Birth) and Easter (Jesus’ Resurrection) as stated in the handbook.  Our Christmas party is Jesus oriented, and we have no Santas, reindeer, sleighs, or stockings in the classroom.  Our Easter party is centered on the resurrection of Christ.  Though we may have activities on other holidays, such as exchanging Valentines, these are not party days and will not require any snacks.  If you have any questions, please ask us. 

 

P.E. -

Physical Education is taught three days a week by Mrs. Vicki Saalfeld.  She requests that a separate pair of tennis shoes be kept at school and worn only for P.E.  We are taking good care of our new gym facility. When the whole class earns points for appropriate behavior, they get a “free day” during P.E.  For this day they can bring toys to P.E. class.  Please wait for a note to come home before sending any toys to school so that you know which day to send toys for P.E.  Please do not send any expensive or fragile toys. Toys brought for P.E. do not go outside for recess unless it is a toy designed to be played outside.

 

Pick-Up -

Be sure your child knows who will pick him/her up each day.  Please send a note if someone other than an authorized person picks them up, so we can remind them at the end of the day.  You may pick up the students at the classroom door beginning at 3:15. If they are not picked up by 3:30, they will go to the “after-school care”, called Kingdom Kids, which is located in our Community Center building.  We are thankful for this option because your child is safe when your schedule changes.  If you need to pick up your child early, please stop at the front office to sign him/her out for the day, and the office will call your child via intercom. 

 

Playground Rules –

• Playscape: Up the ladders and down the slides; walk.
• Swings: One at a time; sitting straight.
• Pavilion: Be considerate of others.
• Rock Wall: Keep hands and feet to yourself.
• FYI - The ditches are out-of-bounds; we do not climb trees; rocks and sticks are not toys and are to stay on the ground.

 

Questions –

Please contact us directly whenever you have a question.  We are always available to give information or to further explain any procedures.  School: 281-351-8122;  Mrs.Kokel’s extension is 2330; Mrs.Schaekel’s extension is 2333; Miss Schlechte’s extension is 2332.   Email for Mrs. Kokel – jkokel@salem4u.com ; Email for Mrs. Schaekel – jschaekel@salem4u.com ; Email for Miss Schlechte – aschlechte@salem4u.com   Or, send a note to us, and we will respond.

 

Rules -

Our school rules and room expectations are based on the verse Matthew 7:12 -"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..."

• Obey the teacher and other school staff at all times.

• Respect the property of school and others.
• Respect the rights and feelings of others.
• Respect the learning process so all children are able to learn.

 

“Saints Alive” –

Saints Alive is our bi-monthly newsletter which is posted on our school website www.salemlutheran.com  which keeps you informed of what is happening.  You can also pick up a printed copy of the newsletter at the office when your computer is “down.”

 

Snack –

A healthy snack may be eaten in the morning during our “snack” time.  You know the needs of your child.  Remember that dentists say that the healthiest snacks for your teeth do not contain added sugar or corn syrup. 

 

Spanish -

Spanish is taught by Mrs. DeWulf on two days per week.

 

Spirit Days -

Fridays are designated as "Spirit Day" to show support for our school. Please check the family handbook which describes what types of clothing may be worn. Sometimes a special "dress up" day is announced, and a note will be sent home as to what to wear.

 

Tardy –

When tardy, please stop at the front office to sign him/her in for the day.  If you need to pick up your child early, please stop at the front office to sign him/her out for the day, and the office will call your child via intercom. 

 

Teacher - to - Parent (and vice versus) -

Prompt communication is very important.  Please feel free to call, to email, or to send a note to inform us of questions or concerns, and we will do the same.  If you become concerned about any issue in the classroom, please contact the teacher first.  We will listen and will work with you toward a solution.  Because your concerns are important, and we want to give you our full attention, please set an appointment for a time when the teacher is not responsible for monitoring the class.

 

Toys -

Balls may be brought to school to share with others at recess time.  Please keep toys and games at home, except on "free" P.E. days.  Mrs. Saalfeld teaches P.E. and will send a note home letting you know which day is a "free" day.  Please do not bring items unless you have a note from Mrs.Saalfeld.  The item brought for P.E. “free day” should not be taken outside for recess unless it is an outside activity such as a ball, jump rope, Frisbee, etc. Please label anything that you bring to school.

 

Uniforms -

Please read the family handbook and the uniform information sheets carefully for uniform choices. The chapel uniform for boys is: blue pants with yellow shirt.  The chapel uniform for girls is: plaid jumper with white blouse.

 

Visitors –

All parents and visitors should check-in at the office and wear a name tag while on campus.

 

Water Bottles –

You may bring a water bottle to school.  Water bottles may sometimes be allowed on the desks.  Teachers will inform the students when water bottles are allowed on the desks.  Otherwise, you may keep a water bottle in the locker and use it or refill it at recess.  Condensation can get desks and school papers wet; therefore, please do not put ice in the water bottles.  Since screw-off lids are choking hazards, they can use a bottle with an attached top which is safer.

 

Web Site –

You can get much information on our classroom Web Site:

http://www.teacherweb.com/TX/Salem/firstgrade

 

“Work-service” hours –

Thank you for all the service hours that you give to the school.  Each family is required to do 24 hours, but we know that so many of you do so much more.  Be sure to track your hours and turn them in to the office.  You can earn hours by helping with Dinner Auction in December, helping with Book Fairs in the library, attending Field Day in April, and more.

 

Worship -

We encourage our families to join in regular worship.  Jesus set the example for us when He went to the Temple.  The Bible says "do not forsake the gathering of ourselves together."  If you do not have a church family of your own, you are invited to worship at Salem.  The time is listed on the classroom web site.

 

Yearbook -

If you have any pictures to include in the yearbook, please give them to Mrs.DeWulf.  It is good manners to get permission from all of the people in the picture before you publish a picture.

 

 

We are looking forward to teaching your child this year.  Remember to pray, praise, and give thanks for all "blessings" from God.

 

Thank you,

Joyce Kokel

Joan Schaekel

Alaine Schlechte