1st Grade Meet the Teacher Night - Mrs. Tomaszewski

1. While you’re waiting please complete... • Homeroom Parent/Party Sign Up Paper • Demographic Form • Code of Conduct Form • Chrysanthemum Paper • Write your child a note for the morning … and turn into the appropriate bins on the side table. THANK YOU!

2. Welcome to 1st Grade “Meet the Teacher Night” Mrs. Tomaszewski Wexford Elementary School August 28, 2017

3. My Family

4. Mrs. Terrilyn Tomaszewski • Originally from Greensburg, PA. • 2003 graduate of Carlow College with dual certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I completed 24 post graduate credits towards the Reading Specialist Certification Program from Slippery Rock University. • This is my 13th year teaching 1st grade in the Pine Richland School District. I taught 4 years at Hance Elementary and this is my 9th year at Wexford. ☺ • My amazing husband Matt is a 10th grade Social Studies teacher at North Hills High School. We’ve been married for 11 years and live in Cranberry Twp. Our daughter Madison will be 7 years old in September and she is in 1st grade. Mason is 5 1/2 years old and is in Kindergarten. Both attend CVE in Seneca Valley. Matthew is 3 years old. He attends Kiddie Academy of Wexford. All three kiddos keep us very busy!!!

5. Focus on learning for every student every day The vision of the Pine-Richland School District is a picture developed by a student that captures the mission and provides a vivid reminder of the challenge and opportunity of our schools. The image conveys the following: Learning is our primary purpose.Learning occurs inside and outside the classroom.Learning is measured as BOTH achievement AND growth.Learning happens differently for different people so flexibility and variation is needed in the approach.Learning requires effort and persistence.Learning is for all of us and requires the support of everyone (e.g., student, staff, and parents).

6. Shared Values

7. Language Arts READING – McGraw Hill Reading: WONDERS Comprehensive, researched based, reading language arts program based on the common core state standards Wonders integrates Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing How it works… INTRODUCE Weekly Concept with grade appropriate topics, including science & social studies through use of Reading/Writing Workshop Big Book and Little Book TEACH Listening Comprehension of Complex Text, Close Reading of Shared Reading & Decodable Text, Minilessons (Phonics, High-Frequency Words, Comprehension, Writing Traits, Grammar) APPLY DIFFERENTIATE Foundations for Close Reading (Small Group Instruction with Differentiated Text) INTEGRATE Research & Inquiry, Text Connections (Reading Across Texts), Write About Reading (Analytical Writing) ASSESS Cold Read applies skills to new text

8. Language Arts Continued… Assessments: • Weekly Assessement – A reading comprehension/vocabulary test is given every Friday • Unit Assessment - Every six weeks, students will have a scored cumulative unit assessment • STAR 360 - An early literacy assessment administered three times annually in September, January, and March to all students in Kindergarten through sixth grade.

9. Language Arts Continued… • Oral Vocabulary: These are key words that are introduced to the entire class in oral language lessons and the interactive read aloud selections.  These words have been chosen to fit a specific thematic category that will help children increase their depth of vocabulary. • High-Frequency Words: These words are high-utility words that children will encounter often in their reading and writing. • Vocabulary Words: These words are introduced to the entire class in the vocabulary lessons. All of these words will be listed on the classroom newsletter! You are given a High-Frequency Book of all words for the school year to keep at home. I will assess mastery of words during Guided Reading and again at the end of every nine weeks.

10. Language Arts Continued… • Guided Reading - (Teaches kids to read all books) * A research recommended instructional approach in a small group setting * Tailors direct instruction to your child’s specific reading needs * Helps deepen understanding and processing of a wide variety of texts * Appropriate for all level readers-from the primary level reader to the most capable intermediate reader * Frequency of the group meeting will vary upon the instructional needs of the students * Groups are constructed according to instructional level, specific need, reading strategies or interest. The groups are flexible. During guided reading students are in quiet groups. These groups are… Word Work, Work on Spelling, Work on Writing, Read to Self, Work with Teacher • WondersWritingStudents will learn... - The Process of Writing (plan, write, revise, check, publish) - The Forms of Writing (journals, stories, recipes & poems) - Tools of Learning (listening, speaking, reading, writing) - Proofreader’s Guide (using capital letters and punctuation) (Our 1st Grade Goal: To write 5 complete sentences on topic)

11. Language Arts Continued… • Spelling – Wonders Spelling practice will be completed in class through a variety of learning activities. - A list of spelling words will be sent home on my Friday Newsletter - A practice test will be given on Wednesday -A formal test will be given on Friday The Wonders program does not have a spelling list on the sixth week (review week) of each unit, so there will be weeks where your child does not have a new spelling list. • Handwriting – McGraw-Hill Wonders • Raz-Kids- A comprehensive leveled reading resource for students. Students access their leveled text through an interactive learning portal designed to keep them motivated and engaged. • Lending Library– 2 books from our classroom library will be coming home every Friday. Read-aloud books at your child’s own independent reading level will be chosen from the classroom library. Your child may also utilize the RAZ-Kids website in addition to their books. Your child is to read 50 minutes each week. Parents complete the reading log weekly. Books and reading log are to be returned every Friday morning.

12. Math • Math- Series: Scott Foresman - Addison Wesley *enVisionMATH* WEBSITE The Scott Foresman-Envision math series give students the opportunities to explore math concepts through concrete math manipulatives as well as through paper and pencil assignments. The students will learn math concepts and problem solving skills through whole class activities, small group games, and individual work. Content: counting addition to 20 subtraction to 20 money fractions geometry patterns measurement time place value data & graphs two-digit addition two-digit subtraction Differentiation will be provided in the classroom throughout the school year based upon your child’s needs. Assessment – A test is given at the end of every math topic • Rocket Math Program (Begins in December): Students will practice and master their addition and subtraction facts through repetition and timed tests.

13. Science/Social Studies/Health • Science - Inquiry-based FOSS/ASSET science curriculum 2 Big Units: Weather and Solids & Liquids - Introduce the process of the scientific method - predict, explore, test - Students will also learn about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds & insects. • Scholastic Science Spin • Social Studies - Series: Houghton Mifflin - School and Family (My Family, Community, Country, Heroes, World Near & Far, Map Skills) - Scholastic News • Health - Units covered throughout the year: 5 senses, nutrition, teeth, healthy habits

14. Homework • Practice & Master High-Frequency words weekly • Spell & Write spelling words weekly • Read Lending Library Books 50 minutes/week • Utilizing the Reading A to Z website (RAZ Kids) for reinforcement & enrichment • Utilizing the Wonders Reading as needed for reinforcement & enrichment • Practicing addition & subtraction math facts (once we begin those math topics)

15. Specials • Monday - Gym 2:45-3:25 (Mr. Beam) • Tuesday - Computer 2:45-3:25 (Mr. Sargent) • Wednesday - Music 2:45-3:25 (Mrs. Campbell) • Thursday - Gym 10:50-11:20 (Mr. Beam) - Library 2:45-3:25 (Mrs. McCormick) (library books returned on this day) • Friday - Art 2:45-3:25 (Mrs. Scheller) (t-shirt with child’s name on it)

16. Daily Schedule • 8:55-9:15 Morning Work • 9:15 Morning Announcements • 9:15-9:30 Morning Work Continued • 9:30 Calendar/Daily Math Equation & Sentence of the Day • 9:45-10 Bathroom Break • 10:00-11:20 Language Arts (Wonders & Guided Reading) • 11:25- 11:55 Lunch (review lunch choices at home for buyers, no sharing food, make checks payable to PR Cafeteria Fund. Write child’s name & pin on the check. www.parentonline.net) • 11:55-12:25 Recess (Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for outside recess, including sensible footwear) • 12: 30-12:50 Story Time/Weather Book/Bathroom Break • 12:50-1:30 Math • 1:30-2:10 Science/Social Studies/Craft/Project • 2:10-2:40 Customization/Centers • 2:40 Clean up/Pack up • 2:45-3:25 Special (Gym, Music, Art, Library, Computer) • 3:45 Dismissal

17. Grading Grading - assessments, daily work, daily observation Report Cards - Issued Quarterly • (P) Proficient: Student independently demonstrates consistent mastery of the skill/concept • (D) Developing: Student is making steady progress towards proficiency • (B) Beginning: Student is making inconsistent progress/Student may need reinforcement • (N) Not Yet Evident: Student is making limited progress/Needs continued reinforcement ** Parent Teacher Conferences will be in November ** I will send information home in October to schedule.

18. Class Rule for Students • Follow directions quickly. • Raise your hand for permission to speak. • Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat. • Make smart choices! • Keep your dear teacher happy!

19. Student Responsibilities - Being a Bucket Filler • Listening attentively (listening ears, watchful eyes) • Staying on task (paying attention, staying with me, completing work in a timely manner, working well in centers) • Demonstrating self control (keeping hands & feet to self, controlling actions & emotions, making good choices) • Participating constructively in activities (doing what is asked/ when it’s asked, raising hand to speak, working well in groups) • Being respectful and polite to all teachers, classmates, and property • Following classroom and school rules consistently (walking in the halls, inside voices, proper bathroom & cafeteria behavior) • Completing all homework, assignments, and projects neatly and on time • Bring Take Home Folder to and from school every day • Per the Wexford Elementary handbook, please do NOT send toys or locker decorations to school. They are often broken or lost, which usually results in disappointment and tears.

20. Encouragement/Enforcement “At Wexford Elementary We Care for Ourselves, We Care for Others and We Care for Our School” Be A Bucket Filler!!! Encouragement: Verbal praise, Coins, Structured Free Time, Special Recognition, Wexford WOW Ticket Enforcement: Verbal warning, Loss of coins, Loss of recess & reflection form, Family conference or phone call home, Referral to office Mrs.Tomaszewski’s Classroom Store The students will be earning coins throughout the school year in my classroom as part of my classroom management program. Coins can be earned for following rules, having a positive attitude, being respectful and polite to their classmates, property, and myself, and completing homework, assignments, and projects neatly and on time (just to name a few). Coins can also be taken away for unacceptable behavior. Every other Friday, students can visit my classroom store to spend their coins if they wish. ** I’m looking for parent volunteers interested in setting up, running, and cleaning up my store every other Friday from about 9:10-9:30. Please sign up tonight! **

21. Important Items • Take Home Folder - Check for Take Home/Stay Home Papers & Homework daily • Classroom Newsletter - Sent home every Friday via email -The newsletter recaps what was taught from the past week and it includes information about upcoming classroom events. • Arrive at school no earlier than 8:55 and be in the classroom before 9:15 • Bus Number - Help your child memorize his/her number before the first day of school. • Lunch - If your child is buying a lunch, please help him/her to memorize their pin number prior to the first buying experience. It will help to make things run more smoothly. • Early Dismissals - IMPORTANT- Please send a note to school with your child that morning addressed to your child’s teacher. Include your name, your child’s name, and the time of pick up. Please report to the office when picking up your child. • Car Rider - Daily Car Rider: Fill out “Daily PM Car Pick Up” form from the office. - Occasional Car Rider: Please send in a note with your child that morning. • Child going home with a friend - If your child is going home with a friend on a different bus, on the same bus but different bus stop, or as a car rider, a note is required from BOTH families

22. Other Items Continued… • Absences - Homework Buddy- Please sign up to have a homework buddy. All work missed will be sent home with the homework buddy unless you request differently. - Advanced notice for vacations(School policy : 2 weeks in advance and forms are in the office) • Nurses Office - If your child isn’t feeling well, yet still attending school, please send in a note/email notifying me. • Birthdays (Birthday Book, Birthday Game, Birthday Lunch) There has been a revision to school board policy (246) on wellness. “Celebrations and classroom parties are a privilege afforded to students as social functions that deviate from the normal academic program and instructional day. Classroom celebrations and parties should focus on the interactive social benefits of such activities. Food items should not be offered or made available for consumption by students during such events.” Since food items are not permitted, an acceptable replacement would be pencils, erasers, or stickers. • Birthday Book/Game- Your child can treat his/her class to a book or game. It doesn't need to be an expensive one. I encourage you to include a special inscription in the Birthday Book/Game prior to wrapping it and sending it to school. This becomes a very special present, one that will long outlast a treat. The class will wish your child a Happy Birthday. He/She will open the present. Then it will be added to our Birthday Book basket or recess games. If you decide to participate, I want to thank you ahead of time! • Birthday Lunch – You may have lunch with your child in the café 11:25-11:55 on his/her birthday or anytime throughout the school year. Please give me advance notice. • Birthday party invitations and thank you cards should not be sent to school for distribution. Please mail all invitations. Thank You!

23. Other Items Continued… • Scholastic Book Order -The printed flyer will be sent home at the beginning of each month. Parents can order directly online using our classroom code GVBLG. It’s a great way to order “just right” books for your child and earn free books for our classroom! Simply SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code GVBLG. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me. Select the books you'd like to order. Send your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom. • Optional Monthly Homework - Sent home at the beginning of each month. It’s a month-long homework assignment. It’s extra work that is meant to be fun, challenging, and enriching. In order for your child to receive a certificate at the end of the month, you will need to choose at least three activities each week for your child to do as homework. Please put a check in the square when the activity has been completed. At the end of the month, please sign the sheetand have your child return it to school. A new homework assignment will be sent home at the beginning of each month. Remember, this is an optional assignment. • Star of the Week - “It’s All About Me Tee” Your child will have the opportunity to be the “Star of the Week.” This is a special week that will focus solely on him/her. Please see yellow paper in manilla folder for more information and your child’s assigned week. • Mystery Reader – If you would like to come into our classroom to read a book please sign up tonight!

24. Other Items Continued… • Super Reader - We will begin “Super Reader” in March, and it will continue throughout the rest of the school year. This is a special time when one child takes a turn reading a story to his/her classmates each day. Students will read on a rotating basis. I will send home monthly calendars so you will know when your child is scheduled to read. Please help your child choose a book from home or the library. The story should take about eight minutes or less to read. Please help your child to be prepared for this special moment by practicing the story at home for fluency and expression. (More information will follow.) • Cafeteria School Store - Once a month in the cafeteria • Donating items for the class - Tissues, hand wipes, zip lock bags, pencils, glue sticks, highlighter, dry erase marker, class store donations, etc. Thanks! • Holiday Parties If you are interested in helping out at a classroom party throughout the school year, please complete paper from PTO. The parties are Halloween, Winter, Valentine’s, and the End of the Year Party.

25. Thank You Super Families! Thank you for taking the time to attend “Meet the Teacher Night.” I look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to be a wonderful year filled with excitement and learning! If you need to reach me anytime throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to call at school, the extension is #394 (8:15 - 8:50 or 3:45-4:00). You can also e-mail me at ttomaszewski@pinerichland.org. I check my e-mail periodically throughout the day and will get back to you within 24 hours.