1. Please take a moment to write a short, simple response in your child’s journal before we begin.

2. All About Me  Education Saint Mark’s, Preschool, K, and 3rd Occidental College, BA in English Claremont Graduate University, MA in Education  Credentials California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential  Experience 1994-1999, West Covina Unified, K and 1 st 2005- present, Saint Mark’s School

4. The next generation….

6. Things to Know  Class Motivation System 10 chips=1 stamp 10 stamps = treasure box  V.I.P.: “Very Important Person.” Decorate board with photos, drawings, collections, etc. May also bring 3 non-board items. Speedy home for weekend/week.  Birthdays: Optional, 2:30 set up @ outside tables.

7. Organizers  Must be brought to school daily.  Students should be responsible for placing organizers in basket.  Work from the previous week is sent home on Mondays.

8. Homework  Homework contract returned daily  Use pencil unless otherwise directed  Parents review homework  Given by Language Arts teacher  Should take no more than 30 minutes, not including…

9. Reading Logs (Starting Monday 9/22)  Filled out “daily”  Return on Friday  Parents or students write  “Sounding out” words is fine  No blanks please!

10. Curriculum  Language Arts:  Reading acquisition is a developmental skill.  Children learn to read at different ages, usually between Kindergarten and 2nd grade.  In order to best meet your child at his/her current reading level, we will “switch” for Language Arts.

11. “Switching” for Language Arts  Both language arts classes use the same curriculum (Harcourt Trophies), but tailor the lessons to meet the needs of our students (Reading A – Z, Express Readers).  The grouping is fluid, and we look at student progress each quarter and reevaluate.  Our goal is for all students to leave first grade with confidence in themselves and their reading ability.

12. Math  We are using Math in Focus (Singapore Math)  We spend significant time establishing number sense and developing the concept of ten. We use the number line, songs, concrete manipulatives, and games to reinforce this important skill.  Math binders are used to challenge students on an individual level. They can choose to work in these binders whenever they have completed an in-class math assignment.  Touchmath: a transitional tool used to support students in their understanding of number sense, addition, and subtraction.

13. Theme Topics of Study  Beginning in November, first grade creates passports and boarding passes and begins a tour of all seven continents!  If you have any firsthand knowledge of specific countries, we welcome you to visit!

14. Communication & Teacher Pages  Check the Teacher Pages regularly for the Monday Memo and other information. http://tpages.saint-marks.org/tpages/? http://tpages.saint-marks.org/tpages/?  I can be reached by email at heatherb@saint- marks.org during school hours or heaterh@mac.com in the evenings or on weekends.heatherb@saint- marks.org heaterh@mac.com  I also check my voicemail throughout the day: (626) 798-8858, ext. 247  Please call the office if your child will be absent, and leave a message on my voicemail as well.

15. Parent Conferences  Fall Parent Conferences are 13 and 14.  Spring Parent Conferences end of March  Look for Sign Up Genius link to schedule

16. Technology  Apple TV  iPads (Math Bingo, Word Bingo, Intro to Math, Kidgitz, Simplex Spelling, Number Bonds)  Computer Lab

17. Here’s to a great year! Any questions?