2. Welcome to Mr. Latini’s First Grade Class 2012-2013

3. Meet the Teacher

4. Our Peaceful Classroom Goal: Building each child’s self- esteem Bucket Fillers and Bucket Dippers  –Dip someone’s bucket? You need to fill it twice! Wanda and the Wrinkled heart

5. New and Goods & Proud Whip New and Goods - each Monday during Morning Meeting Proud Whip - each Friday during Morning Meeting TRY IT OUT!

6. Our Daily Schedule 8:40-8:50: Arrival/Morning Work 8:50-9:30: Phonics/Reading Workshop 9:30-10:10: Specials 10:10-11:00: Social Studies/Science 11:00-11:50: Recess and Lunch 11:50-12:00: Read Aloud 12:00-12:40: Writing Workshop 12:40-1:00: Literacy 1:00-1:45: Math 1:45-1:55: Snack 1:55-2:35: Tier Time/Guided Reading/Daily 5 2:35: Pack up and Dismissal Plus Plenty of ENERGIZERS throughout our day!!!

7. Our Special Schedule Monday – Music Tuesday – P.E. 2 / Art Wednesday – Technology Thursday – P.E. Friday – Library *Please remember to send all library books back to school on Friday’s (Students who do not return books are not permitted to check any out) *Please wear sneakers on Tues./Thurs. (Kids Cannot participate in gym without them!)

8. Literacy Literacy is embedded throughout the school day and it includes the following: Phonics/Spelling Journeys Shared Reading Journeys Reading Workshop Writing Workshop Mini-lesson, Writing/Conferencing, Sharing Tier time/Guided Reading/Daily 5 BE SURE TO READ WITH YOUR CHILD EVERYDAY!

9. Math We follow the Investigations program by Scott Foresman, which focuses on mathematical thinking and reasoning. The following skills will be taught in first grade: Numbers to 100, Beginning Addition and Subtraction, Geometry and Fractions, Graphing and making interpretations, Patterns, Money, Time, and Measurement It is extremely important that the students work on mastering their addition and subtraction facts by the end of their first grade year. I ask that you take the time to practice "math facts" at home on a daily basis. Social Studies & Science Social Studies skills taught: Map and Globe skills, Family, Neighborhoods, Holidays, Pro Social Skills Science Skills taught: Pebbles, Sand and Silt, Solids and Liquids, and Plants

10. Behavior Management Students pull cards throughout the day. Green = Great job!! You earned a ticket! Yellow = Warning – No ticket Red = Note sent home to be signed and returned. Discipline referral possible. Students earn tickets toward our “Best Behavior Catalog”. They get to spend their tickets once they collect 15. “Brownie Points”-Whole class earns “brownies” toward a class party. Students will vote on the type of party they’d like.

11. Star of the Week Most weeks a “Star of the Week” will be chosen from our class. They will take home a star student poster on Friday to be completed over the weekend. Please complete this with your child and return it to school on Monday. Each student will have a week as the “Star”

12. Homework Weekly Newsletter each Monday- Check email and Website Homework folder and assignment book- every night. Homework Monday – Thursday. Monday- Sight Word practice Tuesday- Math Wednesday- Think Central (must read story online) Thursday- Phonics Always due the following day. Please sign or initial HW book and all HW Students without homework and a note from home will complete homework during their recess or free time. Send in a note Written homework should take about 10-15 minutes tops Please practice the weekly “Words to Know” plus the phonics/spelling patterns each night. First in Math Please read with your child each night for at least 20 minutes. Check Website for ideas Questions or Concerns? Let me know!

13. Important Info If your child has a change in transportation or dismissal time on a given day please send in a note using the “Note to School” tablet found on the UM Website Absence excuse notes and notification of vacation MUST be hand written- no emails will be accepted. Please don’t forget to sign up for the e-communicator to stay up-to-date on all UM happenings. No way to print at home? Scholastic Book Order info will be up on the website. Please consider ordering books. They are extremely affordable and perfect for your child’s reading level, plus we get free books for our classroom every time you order online!

14. Important Info For birthdays you may send in a treat or purchase one from our cafeteria (cupcakes, soft pretzels, apple wedges, etc). Invitation policy We have 21 students in our class as of now. If your child would like to purchase breakfast you MUST send in a note the morning of indicating so, (unless it is daily). Change of clothes Code of Conduct – found on the UM website. Please sign BOTH SIDES and hand in before leaving

15. FREE MONEY! For our school, that is http://www.umtsd.org/19132091574613520 /blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&B COB=0&C=57974http://www.umtsd.org/19132091574613520 /blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&B COB=0&C=57974

16. How to Reach me During the School Year During the day the best way to reach me is by email: tlatini@umtsd.org I will be checking this often.tlatini@umtsd.org Or you can call me between 7:30 – 3:30 at 215-325-1400 ext. 4134. You can leave a message if I am not available to answer and I will do my best to return the call that day.

17. Thank You!! Please be sure to leave a note for your child. Please sign up for a fall conference time! If you can volunteer to help with anything at the Fall Fest, please sign up. Raffle basket Don’t forget to complete the Code of Conduct on your child’s desk. Thank you!!! Feel free to contact me at any time!