2. First Grade Expectations & Routines

3. What Can You Expect? Your child to change….a LOT! You will see more independence, confidence and academic and personal responsibility. For our classroom to be fair, consistent and challenging. We expect a lot from my students because We know how far they can come.

4. What We Expect From You To read with your child nightly-it may be to your child, with your child, or listening to your child. To listen to your child read his/her guided reading books every time they are sent home. To check your child’s Daily Communication Folder for important information. To initial by your child’s behavior color calendar each night.

5. What Does a First Grade Day Look Like? Every day includes : Journal writing Spelling Reading Workshop Guided Reading Writers Workshop Math Workshop Special hands-on science and social studies units PE, art, music, computer, and library time

6. DISCIPLINE We have very high expectations for our first grade students. We are firm, fair, and loving! We are trying to build responsibility and want the children to feel ownership for their behavior and work. We communicate with parents through the calendar that will be sent home daily in their take home folder. Please initial it every night. This is important and shows a home/school connection!

7. COLORS Blue – shining star (above and beyond) Green – star student Yellow-warning, miss 5 minutes of recess Orange- miss 10 minutes of recess Red- miss all recess, note sent home, possible phone call or office referral. The children are responsible for showing you their color every day and having you initial their planner. Please initial, so that we can verify that you saw it.

8. Homework 15-20 minutes of reading each night Math fluency practice-will be emailed out on Friday and due the following Friday. Pizza Hut reading incentive program-more information coming soon! The goal of homework is independent practice and should be completed by the student.

9. Grades Grades will begin the second six weeks of school. Can be accessed through the Home Access Center (HAC). You will need to get your password from the front office. Report cards will be emailed out by the office. They will be sent out on the Thursday after the six weeks ends, after 5:00 pm. There is not a paper copy sent home. You can visit the district website to see the Grading Policy.

10. Grades cont… Please understand that our focus is on student growth versus a numerical grade. 90-100 Exceeds 80-89 Above average 70-79 Average Below 70 is failing You will be notified if your child’s AVERAGE is below a 70. Please sign and return any work that is below a 70.

11. Birthdays We strongly encourage ice cream parties during lunch. You can set this up with the cafeteria. Students love this!!!! Only store bought items are allowed. Please drop items off at the office. We will pass out at 2:30. Please be aware of allergies in the room. All ice cream in the cafeteria is nut free!

12. Communication & Money The best way to communicate with your child’s teacher is through email. We will respond within 24 hours of receiving your email. If it is an emergency or after 2:00 you will need to contact the front office to communicate any changes. It is your child’s responsibility to notify his/her teacher of any notes/money sent to school. Money needs to be placed in the zipper pouch/Ziplog bag and labeled.

13. WHY WE LOVE FIRST GRADE… and why your child is going to have a super year! First graders are so awesome to spend the day with. In no other job could you sing, dance, love and be loved, all the while guiding these wonderful people to their full potential. We know that 1 st graders are the best kids to teach! We BELIEVE IN THEM!