Helpful Information:
So much happens in First Grade and because of this parents as well as children may have some apprehensions. It is extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on small successes. Each child will progress at his/her own rate, acquiring skills, as he/she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain priority in our first grade. Here are some ways you can help:
*Celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem. This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!
*Read to and with your child every day. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom. Plan to spend 10 to 20 minutes each day – the rewards are priceless.
*Please do not hesitate to e-mail me with ANY questions or concerns!
Absences:
Attendance is important in first grade. What we do in class involves active participation and it is very important that your child attends each day. However, I do realize that sickness, family emergencies, and doctor’s appointments do occur. Your child’s schoolwork will be saved for him/her to complete upon their return to school.
Beginning Dates to Remember:
~Monday, August 20 Back to School Night/Open House (2:00-3:00 PM)
~Wednesday, August 22 First Day of School (Dismissal at 2:00 PM)
~Monday, September 3 Labor Day - School Holiday
~Wednesday, September 12 Early Dismissal (11:55 AM)
- See more at: d92.org
Dismissal Changes
- If you know in advance, please send in a note with your child. For any last minute dismissal changes, please phone the school office, as I do not regularly retrieve messages during instructional time. Thank you.
Homework:
Homework will require some parental involvement at this level. Your cooperation is essential in developing a positive homework habit. Each day of the week your child will have some type of homework. It is usually along this format- each night reading and recording the title of the story in their Book Log and a Fundation or a math sheet or work not completed during the allotted class time . As the year progresses, the children will be borrowing books from me to read each night and these may be used for their Book Log.
- First and foremost, you can encourage your child by showing interest and demonstrating helpful attitudes toward homework. Some additional suggestions for homework: • Establish a regular "homework time" in the home and have a special place free from excessive noise and distractions. • Help your child organize adequate time to complete activities neatly and carefully. • Encourage your child to ask for help when he/she doesn't understand something or is frustrated. Teachers, like parents, can help only if they know there is a need.• Decide if it becomes too frustrating of a task to stop and take a break. Any work done under duress or frustration is not a positive or healthy learning experience. Let me know if there are any issues.
Homework Folder
- Everyday your child will bring home his/her Homework Folder. Please check this each day. It may contain important announcements, homework assignments, or completed work. It is very important that your child brings this back to school each day. This will help to create a routine and continue the communication between home and school. You may also use this as a way to communicate with me. For instance, if your child is doing something different from their normal schedule (being picked up from school, leaving early for an appointment, etc) please send me a note to let me know the change of plans. Only one note will be needed if the change will be every week on the same day– please include beginning and ending dates for the activity.
Lunch
- Information, including menus and methods of payment, about purchasing lunch from the cafeteria is available at the Walsh School District website (d92.org). Otherwise a packed lunch works great!
Snack:
-We will take a short healthy snack break in the morning. Snacks should be brought from home and should be easily eaten (grapes, apple slices, banana, nuts, carrots, celery, fruit snack). We will take about 3 to 5 minutes to snack. This will continue until Labor Day. Food restrictions make it difficult for me to provide snacks for the class which means it is important for the snacks to come from home.
Treats:
- There are guidelines for classroom parties, birthday treats. In light of this, we ask that any treats you send in be non-fooditems (book mark or a pencil).
A few more bits of information:
- Water bottles may be brought from home. We will keep them in our lockers unless it becomes necessary to bring the into the classroom. Please fill them at home and send the labeled bottle in with your child. The bottles with the sport caps are preferred. We will take frequent breaks and the bottles will not be refilled here a school.
Have a great day!!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Catherine Polson