Welcome to First Grade

1. Welcome to First Grade Mrs. Blease’s Class Morris Brandon Primary 2012-2013

2. Homework • Students will receive a homework contract at the beginning of each week. • Homework contracts will explain homework for the week. You can expect Reading Practice, Phonics, Math, and/or Grammar each week. • It is the responsibility of the student to return all homework and the contract Friday morning in their homework folders. • Parents are responsible for initialing homework contracts each night. • If you notice that homework is taking longer than normal, or have any questions, please send me an e-mail so that I can address any issues.

3. Book Reports • Students will have assigned book reports or projects to complete. • Book reports will be due on the indicated due date. • September 24th • November 12th • February 25th • April 22rd • Reports must be made from an approved book that students can read by themselves.

4. Our Essential Agreements • Be Safe (and help others be safe) 2. Learn (and help others learn) 3. Have Fun (and help others have fun)

5. Discipline • To keep our class happy and safe, we need to follow our school and classroom essential agreements. As a class, we will compose our essential agreements for a safe and productive learning environment. • Our behavior management system has four colors. Each child has a Bee that can be moved to the different colors. • Students will begin each day on GREEN. Typically, a warning is given before a child is asked to change colors. I will try to always write why their color was changed. • If a child ends the day on RED, they will fill out a reflection sheet explaining the events that took place. • By having the student physically move their Bee, I am asking that student to acknowledge inappropriate behavior and take responsibility for it. • You can also monitor your child’s behavior progress by initialing their behavior calendar each night.  

6. Changes of Transportation • If your child is going home a different way, please complete the change of transportation form (or send in a signed note) indicating how your child will be going home that day. Changes of transportation MUST BE IN WRITING. E-mails do not count (I may not get it in time). • Also, students are not allowed to have friends come home with them on the bus (unless they ride the same bus). • If you are planning a play date, please make arrangements to pick up the children from school, or schedule it after school. • Also, it is helpful to discuss with your child how he or she is going home each morning before school. This can help prevent confusion and panic during dismissal. Thank you!

7. Snack • We will have snack every day at 9:10. • Please send your child to school with a healthy snack each day. (fruit, cheese, crackers, granola bars, etc.)

8. Birthdays • Our normal birthday celebration time is 1:45. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, please e-mail me to schedule a time to come visit the class.

9. Field Trips • High Touch – High Tech (Sept. and Oct. TBD in house) • Theater Works -Martha Speaks (11/5) -Charlotte’s Web (2/20) • Carter Center (Feb. TBD) • Aquarium (Apr. TBD) • Shanendoah (Oct. TBD in house) • Chattahoochee Nature Center (5/22)

10. Field Trips • The total cost of field trips for the year is $90. • You can choose to either send in one check at the beginning of the year, or pay one installment of $45 now, and the second installment of $45 in January.

11. Grading • A 90-100 • B 80-89 • C 70-79 • F 69 and Below • Grades are composed of tests, quizzes, homework, class work and projects. • Graded papers will typically go home twice a month in your child’s folder.

12. Treasures Reading Series • Houghton Mifflin Reading is a fully integrated reading and language arts program for grades Kindergarten through 6. • It’s based on a solid foundation of scientific research, with systematic instruction in reading, writing, grammar, and spelling and a variety of resources to ensure success for all students. • This new integrated reading/language arts program features explicit skill lessons for core instruction organized in a clear instructional pathway with differentiated, scaffolded instructional opportunities to meet individual needs. • Instruction is supported by outstanding award-winning literature and decodable text that provides a balance of fiction and non-fiction reading opportunities. • The program is linked to a comprehensive assessment system, built-in staff development, and integrated technology.

13. Everyday Math • First Grade Everyday Mathematicsis part of an elementary school mathematics curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. There are a number of features that distinguish the Everyday Mathematics curriculum. These include: • A problem-solving approach based on everyday situations • A variety of formats for frequent practice of basic skills • An instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly • A curriculum that explores mathematical content beyond basic arithmetic In addition to basic arithmetic, First Grade Everyday Mathematicsemphasizes the following topics: • Number and Numeration • Operations and Computation • Data and Chance • Measurement and Reference Frames • Geometry • Patterns, Functions, and Algebra • Everyday Mathematics is distinguished by its focus on real-life problem solving, balance between whole-class and self-directed learning, emphasis on communication, facilitation of school-family cooperation, and appropriate use of technology.

14. What is the Primary Years Programme? The IB Primary Years Programme, for students aged 3 to 12, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The written curriculum The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme is the six transdisciplinary themes. These themes are about issues that have meaning for, and are important to, all of us. The programme offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas, and learning beyond them. The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to "step up" beyond the confines of learning within subject areas. Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How the world works How we organize ourselves Sharing the planet IBInternational Baccalaureate We incorporate Six Units of Inquiry in our everyday curriculum: • Let’s Get Physical (Light, Sound, Magnets, and Weather – How the World Works) • On Top of the World (Geography and Landforms – Where We Are in Place and Time) • We Are the World (Holidays Around the World – How We Express Ourselves) • Individuals with Attitudes (Influential People – Who We Are) • Money Makes the World Go ‘Round (Economics – How We Organize Ourselves) • Animal Planet (Animals- Sharing the Planet )

15. Communication • Handwritten notes and email are the best ways to reach me. bleasem@atlanta.k12.ga.us or margaret.blease@gmail.com • If you prefer, you can send in a note with your child. Please let them know that there is a note in their folder for me. Students are directed to place all notes in the “note bucket” or in my hand when they first enter the room.

16. Parent Volunteer Opportunities • Parent Readers • Fun Fridays • Fieldtrip Chaperones

17. Final Reminders • Students should dress “PE appropriate” on Tuesdays and Fridays. • Please call the school if you need to reach me during the school day. I usually do not check my email until after school. • Check out our classroom website to find out the daily schedule, what we are learning, and helpful links. • Here are a few things to keep an eye out for that are coming home soon. -phonics readers, phonics rule book, storage box

18. Thank you! Any questions?