Welcome to First Grade!

Reading

What is Daily 5? Daily 5 is a way of structuring reading instruction so that every student is engaged in meaningful literacy tasks that allow them the opportunity to practice what they have learned in class. Read to Self Listen to Reading Word Work Work on Writing Read to Someone

What is CAFÉ? C – Comprehension (I understand what I read.) A – Accuracy (I can read the words.) F – Fluency (I can read accurately with expression.) E – Expanded Vocabulary (I know, find, and use interesting words.) Mini-lessons are focused around these 4 components. Students are taught reading strategies for each area.

Letterland

Letterland is a phonics program with the emphasis on phonics patterns, such as diagraphs, blends, and long vowels. Each week a list will be sent home consisting of the tricky words and words that will correlate with our phonics lesson that week.

Day 1: Read each word on Lists A, B, and C two times. Day 2: Word Sort Day 3: Write 5 sentences using at least one word from each list. Don’t forget the Tricky Words. Day 4: Written practice test. Use 10 random words from Lists A, B, or C. Have an adult call out the “new sentences” and write down the dictated sentences. Does this look familiar?

What is Guided Math? Guided Math is a framework for structuring math time so students develop deep conceptual understanding and mathematical proficiency.

How does Guided Math work?

Benefits of Math Workshop Students develop independence, stamina, and accountability. The framework adapts to district-adopted curriculums and state mandates. Teachers are able to meet differentiated needs, helping to ensure that all students meet standard.

Reading Homework Reading First graders need to read each night for at least 15 minutes. Please use the following as resources for your child’s nightly reading:  Tumble Books: User name: durant Password: books  Book Flix: User name: dres Password: bookflix  Pebble Go: User name: durant Password: eagles  Big Universe: User name: wcp+ student number (example: wcp ) Password: student number (example: ) Group: wcpss In addition to this resources, don’t forget the value in reading books that you have at home, from our school library, or from the public library. Don’t forget to initial your child’s reading log and have it returned at the end of each month.

Reading Log ____________________________’s August Reading Log Read 10 minutes each night. You may read to yourself, to a buddy, or have someone read to you. It is good to have a mixture of all three types of reading. You can choose the reading material: books, magazines, comics, and poems. Color in a shape each time you complete your 10 minutes of nightly reading. Have your parents initial the shape. Your reading log is due at the end of each month. Due on Friday, Aug. 28th.

Comprehension Practice

Math Homework We recommend that first graders practice math skills at home using Sumdog least twice per week. Your child will need his/her log in information.  Sum Dog Math:  ABCYA!

Letterland Homework Monday: Read each word on Lists A, B, and C two times. Tuesday: Word Sort Wednesday: Write 5 sentences using at least one word from each list. Don’t forget the tricky words. Thursday: Written practice test.  Have an adult call out 10 random words from Lists A, B, or C.  Have an adult call out the “new sentences” and write down the dictated sentences. Please sign your child’s Letterland Homework and return to school each Friday.

More info will come as we schedule our field trip dates. We will need plenty of chaperones! Field Trips

Science Fun for Everyone There will be five in-school field trips that enhance our science curriculum. Each quarter we will be visited by a scientist that will go over all the objectives in a hands – on experience. These will include: Measure Treasure Astro Adventures Living Lab Soil Rocks! Funky Forces Parents are welcome to come and learn with their child. Off campus field trip - TBA

Field Trip Payments ·Information about field trip payments will be sent home when it becomes available.

Field Trip Volunteers · If you plan on volunteering in your child ’ s classroom or being a chaperone on a field trip, you must register and be cleared as a Level 3 volunteer with Wake County Schools. · You must reapply each school year. · You can register at any Wake County school by October 31 st. * Make sure you sign up for Durant Road Elementary.

School-wide bullying prevention program intended to help clarify for students, staff and parents what defines bullying and how it differs from peer conflict.

Bully Before labeling behavior as bullying, it must meet the three following criteria: REPEATED - Does the behavior happen over and over again? INTENTIONAL - Is the behavior intentional, or on purpose? INTIMIDATING - Is there an imbalance in power, or does the behavior create feelings of helplessness, intimidation, or fear? -If all three criteria are met, the behavior is labeled bullying and will be handled accordingly by school administration. -If only one or two of the criteria are met, the behavior is most often labeled peer conflict and students are encouraged to practice conflict resolution skills and seek assistance from adults when needed -Four primary types of bullying (verbal, physical, social, and cyber) are reviewed and students are provided with strategies if they or someone else is bullied -Students are encouraged to create a positive climate for learning, tolerance and acceptance

Why Join the PTA? Mission: To improve the education and educational experience of every student at Durant Road Elementary school. School Community Skills, Talents and Resources Strong PTA and Strong School +=

2015/2016 Priorities Fundraising: Raise $55,000 to fund various projects Technology purchases Teacher Provisions & Mini-Grants Literacy Support Event Execution: Schedule and Complete all planned events Field Day Family Reading Night International Night Cultural Arts Assemblies Parent Involvement Improve participation at events Enroll 350 members Succession planning Communication Drive awareness and understanding of school events

Now What? Visit the PTA table on your way out for handouts Join the PTA Support your student in getting pledges for the Boosterthon Fun Run Link your store cards to this school Save Box Tops and Labels for Education (we will have contests throughout the year) Read communications that come home from the PTA Ask a PTA representative how to get involved with our organization – share your ideas Consider volunteering at an event or on our Board

Boosterthon 2015 Boosterthon 2015 Video

Let’s Have a Great Year! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. is best.