1. Mrs. Hansard’s 1st Grade Class
Welcome to Parent Orientation!

2. Welcome to 1st Grade!
Welcome to Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School Parent Orientation. I am delighted that you could attend. It is truly a privilege to be your child’s first grade teacher. Thank you for your outstanding commitment and support.

3. Goals
To give your child the academic and social tools needed to progress to 2nd grade.
To provide a supportive learning environment.
To have fun while we learn.
To make new friends and discover new interests and talents.

4. Curriculum

5. Math Concepts Number recognition/writing Patterning Sequencing
Addition
Subtraction
Time/Money
Fractions
Geometry
Place value
Double digit addition
Methods
Investigations
Whole Group
Small Group
Partners
Individual
Hands-on Materials
Calendar Time
Games
Traditional pencil and paper

6. Reading Methods Concepts Comprehension Whole Group Instruction
Compare/Contrast
Making Connections
Inferring
Background Knowledge
Drawing Conclusions
Questioning
Story Elements
Identifying Genres including expository and narrative
Methods
Whole Group Instruction
Small Group Instruction
Guided Reading
Reader’s Workshop

7. Language Arts Spelling Dictionaries – $1.80 Concepts
Complete sentences
Capitals
Punctuation
Contractions and Possessives
Multiple sentence stories staying on topic
ABC Order
Methods
Whole Group
Small group
Partners
Shared Writing
Class Books
Writer’s Workshop
Spelling Dictionaries – $1.80
(Please return cash in envelope provided)

8. Spelling
Patterns – NOT lists
Sight Words – Word Wall Words

9. Grading First Semester Progress Reports (@4 ½ weeks)
TPRI/Conferences weeks)
Grades (4 terms)
Report cards each term
There are four grading periods this year (1 progress report will prepared every grading period)
Graded subjects: Language Arts (Spelling will be 15% of grade), Reading, Math
E, S, N, U: Citizenship, Science, Social Studies, P.E., Art, Music

10. 8 Expectations for Living
First Grade Calendar
Citizenship grades
0-2 E Excellent
3-4 S Satisfactory
5-6 N Needs Improvement
7+ U Unacceptable/Unsatisfactory

11. First Grade Calendar Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Initials
Aug.
27-31
Sept.
3-7
Labor
Day
10-14
17-21
24-28
Oct.
1-5
Fair
8-12

12. Reading Homework Book Bag Reading
Reading should be done nightly for twenty minutes. Please read from the provided book bag and the Read Naturally Assignments. Each child needs to read out loud to an adult. The time read needs to be 20 minutes daily and recorded and returned each day.

14. Other Homework
Each Monday you will have a Spelling brainstorming activity to complete with your child. Other assignments will be listed in the Weekly Newsletter. Daily spelling and math fact practice is recommended. Remember, reading daily is also part of the homework.

15. Name __________
-an am at
______ ______ ______
Write a sentence using at least one word wall word or sight word. (a, an)
________________________________________________________________________

16. Handwriting
This is the year we will pay special attention to letter formation and placement on handwriting paper.
We have found that specific attention to handwriting in first grade is crucial to legibility in all other grades.

17. Star Students

18. Star of the Week
Each week one student will be the star of the week. For that week, your child will be featured on the bulletin board outside of the classroom. Your child will also share pictures, “All About Me” and “Favorites” pages for the bulletin board.

19. Schedules and Procedures

20. Birthday Celebrations
We celebrate birthdays in the class by singing a birthday song and creating a book about the birthday child.
If you wish to send a healthy snack for a treat, make sure it is store bought and individually wrapped. I will hand them out either at snack time or at the end of the day as the students are being dismissed.

21. Snacks Pack it separately from the students lunch.
Make sure it is clearly labeled.
Make sure your child can open it independently.

22. Specials Schedule Daily Lunch 10:50 – 11:20 Specials 12:30 – 1:15
Tuesday – Computer 2:10 – 2:55
Tuesday – Library 1:30 – 2:00
Monday – Art 9:20 – 9:50

23. School Hours
Beginning of school – First bell is 7:50 and the tardy bell is 8:00
End of school – We dismiss at 2:50.
Pick up procedures – All changes in transportation must be communicated by 2:00. Please call the office. When ing, please send changes to Mrs. Henry in the front office and CC to me .

24. Star Parents

25. Daily Do’s
Please return the take home folder on a daily basis. Remove graded work and notes every night!
Please return the book bag with signed homework sheet on a daily basis. Please keep the Reading Recording Sheet in the take home folder.
If you have any important information to communicate, (transportation changes, information on home life - new baby is on the way, grandparents are in town, etc.) please write a note and send it in your child’s take home folder.

26. Parent Teacher Conferences
Fall – After TPRI Testing – Please sign up on the clipboard that is being passed around.
Spring – After TPRI in late April/early May
At your request

27. Volunteers
The Amy Parks-Heath family is unparalleled in the tradition of volunteering.
If you are able to volunteer, please be sure to sign up today!
Wish List – Current items are located on the wardrobe door and new items will be listed in the First Grade News or via .
I look forward to working with you! 

28. Thank You!
As partners in the education of your children, open communication is very important. If at any time you have a question or concern please contact me with a note, by calling the school office or by I will respond as quickly as possible.

29. Please remember to sign up for your conference before you leave today
Let’s Have a Great Year!