The ABC’s of Kindergarten



The

ABC’s

of

1st Grade

2012-2013

Candice Little

Aa

[pic]Absence: If your child is sick, please call the office (313-625-4700) and inform us of your child’s absence and the reason for it. This is for your child’s safety. If your child must leave early for a doctor’s appointment, etc... go to the security desk to sign your child out and the secretary will called to send your child to the front. PLEASE DO NOT come to your child’s classroom. Never send another person to pick up your child without informing us or the secretary.

[pic]Arrival and Dismissal: Students will line up outside the school in their designated classroom line. A staff member will bring them in once it is time for breakfast. Breakfast is at 7:40 in your child’s classroom. The tardy bell rings at 8:00. ATA has a strict policy on tardiness so please make every attempt to have your child here on time. This will allow your child to adapt to smooth, predictable routines while not interrupting the other students each day.

Students should not arrive prior to 7:30 a.m. When you pick up and drop your children off, please remain outside of the building. Parents in the hallway can cause a disruption to other classrooms. Children are not allowed to play on the playground before and after school.

Dismissal is at 3:20 p.m. outside the school. Please pick up your child promptly! If you are running late, then report to the security desk.

[pic]Attendance: 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. Regular attendance without tardiness is a key.

Bb

[pic]Backpack: To help your child carry their binder and lunch to and from school, you are asked to provide a backpack for your child. Please no wheels and make sure their name is written on it.

[pic] Binders: We will supply each child with a 3-ring parent communication/homework binder on the first day of school. Students will use this EVERYDAY to develop organizational skills and learn responsibility. It is important to teach children how to keep up with homework, and important notes. This book is also a way of maintaining effective communication between home and school. It aims to eliminate lost notes, organize calendars and homework, as well as keep parents and students informed of important events and academic progress. EVERYTHING a student and parent needs is in this binder. If your child’s binder gets ruined or lost, please send in $10 for a replacement. This is a mandatory tool that will be part of your child’s success in first grade.

[pic]Birthdays: We like to celebrate birthdays! Your child may bring in a treat for the class if he/she desires to do so on his/her special day. Please have an individual serving of the birthday treat for each child. Due to time constraints, it is difficult for us to have to cut and serve items to children, and much easier to have individual servings. Also, please write us a note, call, or have your child tell us prior to the day the treat is brought in so we can allot time for a birthday.

*** If your child is allergic to certain items or you do not want your child eating sweets in our classroom this year, please send us a note and let us know. If we don’t hear from you, your child will be offered treats.

We do realize what an exciting time birthdays are and planning for a birthday party is twice the fun. However, please do NOT have your child bring invitations to pass out at school. If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to ask.

[pic]Book Order: Each month we will be sending out book order forms from Scholastic. It offers wonderful books at reduced prices---what a great way to build your home library! If you wish to order books from Scholastic, please make your payment by check to Scholastic Book Club. Cash is also acceptable, with EXACT change. All money should be sent to school in the zip pouch in your child’s binder. Thanks for your help!

[pic] Breakfast: This year, we are offering free breakfast for all students. It will be served in your child’s classroom. Breakfast is at 7:40 a.m. Students must be on time in order to receive breakfast. If your child is tardy, we will not be able to serve them. We have limited time and must begin our teaching day promptly at 8:00 a.m.

Cc

[pic]Calendar/Circle Time: We will be doing many activities involving the calendar which include: days of the week, months of the year, weather, counting money, telling time, and counting the days of school which includes skip counting. In addition, we will also be singing songs, doing finger plays, and listening to stories. Circle time is where we will teach mini-lessons and model reading and writing skills too!

[pic]Computers: We are fortunate enough to have computers in our classroom. A variety of age-appropriate programs will be what the child will work on throughout the school year.

[pic]Communication: We welcome any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. Please contact us by phone or email. Mrs. French (313) 625-4622 hfrench@, Ms. Little (313) 625-4618 clittle@, or Mrs. Muzyk (313)625- tmuzyk@.

[pic]Conferences: The first Parent/Teacher conferences will be held October 20th and 21st. A note will be sent home to schedule a conference with your teacher. We will discuss your child’s accomplishments, strengths, and overall progress. Please feel free to schedule additional conferences if needed. Please check your student’s Welcome Pack for further conference dates.

Dd

[pic]Discipline: In the classroom, as well as within the entire school we will be using the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) system. The discipline system is designed around the idea that the children are in control of their behavior and can make good choices. In first grade we teach the children to accept responsibility for their actions and the discipline system evokes this principle. To help your child learn how to make good choices and how to be responsible for their behavior a “color” system will be used. Every child will start off each day on green; this means that they are exhibiting appropriate behavior. If a child makes an inappropriate choice, they must go to yellow. This is a visual and verbal warning. Likewise, students can also move up a color for making positive choices. The color order and meaning are listed below.

Pink = Outstanding behavior

Blue = Great Job

Green = Ready to learn (every student starts here!)

Yellow = Warning

Orange = Consequence (refocus or teacher’s choice)

Red = Parent contact/ office referral to REACH coordinator.

It is quite natural for children to push certain boundaries especially in unfamiliar territory; therefore it is not uncommon for a child to move down a color during the first several weeks of school. Please discuss with your child appropriate behavior. However, please do not make a statement to your child regarding that they should NEVER move down a color. That statement will only add anxiety and pressure that your child does not need. Also, your child will remember that you made that statement; this may lead to further discipline/behavior issues. You can appreciate the problems that can and do arise when this statement is told to five and six year old. If your child goes to red, then you will be notified by your preferred method of contact. Please check and initial your child’s behavior log each day of the week. This is your best tool for knowing how they are behaving each day. Of course, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

[pic]Dress Code: Elementary students must wear light blue, short sleeved polo shirts, with the Advanced Technology Academy logo. The Academy will supply each new student with two shirts. Returning students can purchase shirts for $12. ATA only accepts cash payments. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Pants must be “Docker” style either black or navy blue with belt loops and a black belt. No large buckles or buckles with letter logos. Sweatpants, khakis, jeans, stretch pants, and skirts are not allowed. Students should wear black Velcro casual shoes. PLEASE NO TIE SHOES. Girls may wear Mary Jane style shoes. Sweatshirts with the ATA logo may also be worn over your child’s ATA polo. They are available to purchase for $10. Be sure your child’s name is written in permanent ink on the tag. No other sweatshirts, sweaters, or hoodies are permitted in the classroom.

Please be sure to read the dress code policy in the 2011-2012 welcome packet.

Gym shoes are permitted during your child’s scheduled gym quarter.

Ee

[pic]Emergency Cards: Please complete and return the yellow emergency information found in your child’s Welcome Packet. Return to your child’s teacher promptly. If your home or work phone number changes, then inform the office so you can be located quickly if an emergency occurs.

[pic]Emergency Closings If schools are closed for a snow day or any emergency, local radio stations or the local TV stations will make an announcement, generally by 7:00 A.M.

[pic]Emergency Drills: Emergency drills are practiced several times throughout the year. We will practice and become familiar with procedures throughout the year.

Ff

[pic] Field Trips: There will be a couple of field trips that are both fun and educational for your child. Parent drivers are not permitted; therefore, buses will be used for transportation. Do not send your child with money to buy souvenirs/food on field trips. We have limited time and are unable to stop to allow students to make purchases. Please return permission slips as soon as possible after it is sent home.

Gg

[pic]Grades:

Grading on report cards will be based on the following letter format for grades K-1:

M = Meeting expectations

P = Progressing toward expectations

D = Difficulty meeting expectations

N = Not meeting expectations

NG = Not graded at this time

Worksheets and dittos done in class will typically be graded with smiley faces:

( = good job

( = okay but try a little harder next time

( = oops! We need to practice together

Hh

[pic]Hands–On Learning: Research has shown and we 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 times when seatwork is required and necessary, but for the most part, the classroom will be an active learning environment.

[pic]Health: Please let us know of special circumstances which may affect your child. These could include medication that may make him/her sleepy, a death in the family, etc. Also, please let us know of any allergies your child may have, especially food allergies. We sometimes cook or do food activities to complement lessons in first grade and it would be helpful to know when we plan our recipes.

[pic]Help at Home: Your extra help at home can really make a difference. If you notice your child is struggling with a concept or skill, then just a little help from home truly does make a difference. Here are some suggestions that you can work on with your child to start off the year:

•Address             •Telephone number

•Parents’ names     •Basic colors/shapes        •Counting to 120

•Printing first and last name beginning with a capital letter and the rest in lower case

•Blending sounds                •Identifying coins and their amount             

•Birthday (month & date)            •Identifying numbers to 100

•Knowing letter names and sounds     •Tying shoes •Telling time to the hour and half hour

•High frequency words

Your extra help at home really makes a difference!

[pic]Home Reading: Throughout the year children will be reading many books in school. They will practice the books in school. Additional books will be provided take home to read to family and friends. This is wonderful practice to build fluency and to reinforce the word’s we’ve learned! In addition, studies show that just 20 minutes a day reading aloud to young children promotes family bonding, encourages listening and language skills, and gives children a strong reading foundation. It is a schoolwide expectation that all ATA students will spend time reading each evening, in addition to other homework. First graders should be read to until they can read by themselves for 20 minutes. A weekly reading log will be sent home to record books read at home. You must complete and initial the reading log each evening after reading with your child. Do not sign ahead of time.

[pic]Homework: Our goal is to keep homework purposeful and reasonable. We believe homework should never be a burden to the child or the family. Our main purposes in assigning homework are as follows: to provide children with the opportunity to practice and improve their skills; and to teach children responsibility, self-discipline, independence, perseverance, and time management.

• You can help your child be successful with homework by encouraging positive homework habits right from the start. Here are some suggestions:

o Set aside specific time each day for homework. The sooner after school, the better.

o Designate a place for doing homework, a place that’s quiet and has few distractions.

o Support your child in doing the work but don’t do it for him/her. For example, you might remind your child where or how to find an answer, but try not to jump in the give the answer. (All homework will be on something we have already gone over in class.)

• At the first grade level, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to see that homework is completed.

• Homework will be sent home in your child’s binder and should be returned in your child’s binder the NEXT SCHOOL DAY.

• Your child should complete this work by him/herself, under your supervision.

Ii

[pic]Independent Reading: Your child will learn to read by reading. Your child will need plenty of opportunities to read independently. Sufficient time and appropriate materials are necessary to develop and strengthen reading abilities. By giving your child 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.

Jj

[pic]Jacket: Please make sure to send a jacket with your child when the weather starts to turn chilly. We still will go outside for recess even when it is chilly outside. Please make sure your child can zip or button their jacket independently.

Kk

[pic]Kindness: Your child will be 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. Students are expected to follow the REACH values daily.

Ll

[pic]Library: Your child will go to the school library one day a week. Later in the year, your child will have a chance to select a book to borrow for a week’s time.

[pic]Literacy Centers: During literacy centers, your child will practice reading and writing skills. The center activities are designed to strengthen letter/sound knowledge, listening skills, oral language expression, rhyme, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing.

[pic] Lunch: A school hot lunch calendar will be located in your child’s binder. The cost for a lunch is $2.75 and 40 cents for reduced lunch. The school will notify you if you applied and are approved for free or reduced meals. Lunches must be paid for the week before. Send check or cash in an envelope labeled with your child’s name and the dates he/she will be purchasing a meal. Do not send money in your child’s fist. Please put the money in your child’s zip pouch in their binder. No food may be brought in from fast food restaurants! No pop! No candy! No food from breakfast eaten at home or in the car, may be brought into the classroom. If your child gets a school lunch, he may not bring in extra junk food (chips, candy, cake, etc.) to have with his lunch. We have no way of keeping things cool or heating food. Also, if your child does not want milk, you may send in a separate drink. If your child does not qualify for free or reduced lunch but forgets his lunch, we will make sure he gets a lunch, but you will be billed for it. (This usually does not apply the first week of school.) If you have any further question regarding the food service program, contact Nora Thomas, Food Service Director at 313-625-4699.

Mm

[pic]Math Centers: The first grade math centers provides your child with mathematical experiences that help them develop number sense and positive attitude towards mathematics that will continue through their school career and their lives.

Nn

[pic]Newsletter: Newsletters will be sent home to keep you informed about what is happening in our classes---the skills we are learning, words we are studying, poems or songs to practice, special activities and upcoming events. Look for these in your child’s binders.

Oo

[pic]Open House: Open House will be sometime in September from 6-7pm. I will inform you of the date at a later time. Open house is a wonderful opportunity for you and I to meet each other and it allows you to tour your child’s classroom.

Pp

[pic]Parent Volunteers: Please let us know if you are interested in helping in the classroom or working on something at home. Complete the “Parent Volunteer Form” and return it in your child’s binder as soon as possible.

[pic]Parties: Throughout the year we will be having various celebrations. Your child may be asked to donate supplies or goodies. We will send a note home ahead of time explaining the celebration and donations needed. Thank you in advance for all your support (

[pic]Playground Procedures:

Below are the First Grade Playground Rules. Please review these playground safety procedures with your child:

1. No games involving tackling, hitting, pushing, shoving, tripping, etc. are permitted.

2. No baseballs or “hard” balls such as super balls are permitted.

3. No hockey sticks, skateboards, roller blades/skates, etc. are to be brought to school.

4. Proper attire for the weather must be worn.

5. Knives, matches, hand warmers, laser pointers, rubber bands, cap guns or toy guns of any kind are not to be brought to school.

6. Only one person on a swing at a time. You must sit on swings, no standing or kneeling.

7. Do not throw rocks, pebbles, snowballs, woodchips, or any other objects that may cause bodily harm.

8. Do not climb fences, trees, swing supports, backstops or poles.

9. Shoes or boots must be worn at all times.

10. No fighting or wrestling.

11. Use the sidewalks do not cut across lawns.

12. Stay away from the trash bins.

13. Stay out of flower beds, and landscaped areas.

Qq

[pic]Questions: If you need to talk with us please send a note in your child’s communication binder or e-mail us. We will respond as soon as possible. We are more than happy to arrange a time to meet or talk if need be. Please do not show up at the classroom door unannounced.

Rr

[pic]REACH Values: Advanced Technology Academy is a unique school, modeled after the highly successful “Amistad Academy” in Connecticut. Our goal is to close, not bridge, the learning gap. To do this, we must have the highest expectations of your child, both academically and behaviorally. We must also have the highest expectations of you, our parents, who are partners with us in the huge investment of time, energy, and money we are pouring into your child. There is no other school like ATA in Michigan! We are pleased and honored to have you with us on the ground floor opening of our new elementary charter school!

To help you understand some of the expectations we have of your child and of ourselves as staff, let us briefly explain our “REACH” philosophy:

| | |

|R |R stands for RESPECT. Respect means, among other things, not talking back, obeying reasonable requests by an |

| |adult with no negotiations, absolutely NO talking during specified times of the day, no rolling of the eyes, |

| |shrugging of the shoulders; answering questions when asked, speaking courteously when spoken to. It also means |

| |taking care of materials, keeping our bathrooms and the rest of the school spotless. |

| | |

|E |E stands for ENTHUSIASM. Enthusiasm means, among other things, being passionate about learning, sitting up |

| |straight and paying attention, “jumping to it” the first time, responding the first time. Never whine or pout. |

| | |

|A |A stands for ACHIEVEMENT. Achievement means, among other things, high expectations, both from the teacher and |

| |from the student himself. No excuses, no poorly done work, no late work, no missing assignments. No accepting |

| |anything but excellence… |

| | |

|C |C stands for CITIZENSHIP. Citizenship means, among other things, giving 100% to see that the school runs great.|

| |Wear the ATA uniform with pride, speak well of the school, treat others like we want to be treated, take care of|

| |school property, know what is expected and do it. Tell the truth at all times, help others, and celebrate the |

| |achievements of others. |

| | |

|H |H stands for HARD WORK. No one is saying this is an easy place to go to school. We expect a lot, but the |

| |student gets a lot in return. Hard work means maximum effort from the time entering until the time leaving; |

| |meaningful homework and reading every single evening. Come to school on time and never be late. Focus on |

| |college as the goal from kindergarten on up. |

[pic]Reading: Your child will be immersed in reading activities on a daily basis. Please read with your child at home too.

[pic]Recess: The children will play outdoors to take a break. Weather permitting, we will always go outside. Please keep this in mind when helping your child to select clothing for the day.

[pic]Report Cards: Report cards are issued quarterly.  These reports reflect the progress your child has made toward various first grade objectives and uses a grading system that reflects the developmental nature of first grade learning.

[pic] Responsibility: Responsibility is a big theme in first grade. Your child will learn to be responsible for themselves in thought, word, and action.

[pic] Restrooms: Have your child use the restroom shortly before coming to school. Students will be allowed to use the restroom whenever it is necessary. Please make me aware of any medical problem that might require more frequent restroom trips.

Ss

[pic]Science: The focus of the first 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, general health, and the four seasons. These areas will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach in the STEM lab.

[pic]Shared Reading: Shared reading is an interactive process used with the whole class. As I read a story, your child will have the opportunity to join in on phrases or words they know. During subsequent re-readings, your child will read more and more of the text, until they are able to read the story independently. Shared reading is an opportunity for the teacher to model conventions of print and the use of reading strategies.

[pic] Snack: We will have mid-morning snack every day. Please try to send a light, healthy snack each morning. Please avoid sending junk food and desserts. No juice or drinks are allowed in the classroom for snack. Students will have opportunities to use the drinking fountain throughout the day. Here are some suggestions: carrots, apples, crackers, celery, raisins, granola bars, fruit snacks, etc.

[pic]Social Studies: The first grade social studies curriculum focuses on the children and how they relate to others in their families, classroom, school, and community. Holiday celebrations will also be highlighted. Activities will help the children engage their natural curiosity for the world around them.

[pic] Specials: Your child will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of specials throughout the school year. These will change quarterly and include: gym, technology, music, and STEM. Check your child’s newsletter for details.

[pic]Supplies: ATA supplies most of the materials that your child will need throughout the school year. However, there are some items that would be very useful and helpful for our classroom. As different projects and activities arise, we will be notifying you for any items that you are able to contribute. Please refer to the supply list handout.

Tt

[pic]Thank You: Thank you for the privilege of teaching your child. It is an honor, and we pledge to do our best.

[pic]Toys: Bringing toys to school is discouraged because they distract your child, as well as, the other children from learning. If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings will be hurt. Please make sure you don’t send them in. Your child may bring a book to school that is clearly marked with your child’s name.

Uu

[pic] Unique: First graders learn that they are special and unique.

Kindergartners 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.

Vv

[pic]Visitors: ATA Elementary has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including familiar faces) are required to sign in at the security desk. ATA 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.

Ww

[pic] Website Our class has a website which can be accessed at

. Check in to find information about upcoming/special events and school news.

[pic] Wish List Throughout the year we sometimes need supplies above and beyond our classroom materials. These needs will be posted in the class newsletter.  Extra items that you think we might be able to use are always welcome! Your generosity is appreciated (

[pic] Writing: The writing program used builds on what your child already knows. Writing begins with scribbles and proceeds to lines and circles, random strings of letters, words, and spaces and eventually sentences. 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, then please provide your child with writing tools, such as pencils, crayons, markers, and paper to use at home.

Xx

XXV: We currently have 25 children in each classroom. However, the classroom sizes may change due to enrollment numbers. Due to this, your child may be moved to another first grade class to balance the classroom sizes and best accommodate your child’s learning environment. We will notify you of any changes as soon as we find out.

Yy

[pic]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 first grader.  Thank you for making childcare arrangements for younger siblings.

Zz

[pic]Zipper: Please help your child learn how to zip their coat. We know that some coats have buttons and snaps too. Please work on these as well.

[pic] ZZzzzzzz: Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift that you can give your child. It will help them be alert and ready to learn each day!

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download