First Grade Orientation September 5, 2013

1. First Grade OrientationSeptember 5, 2013 Mrs. Chuki Sykes 281-237-4500 chukiksykes@katyisd.org

2. Classroom Norms • Learning takes place with minimal worksheets and maximum small group and one-on-one instruction • ID Badges must be worn daily. On the second day it is not worn, students will receive a conduct mark • Every Friday, students’ special schedule will change

3. Classroom behavior • Behavior will be documented every day on students’ conduct cards • Good behavior is expected and praised • Behavior is marked on our classroom DOJO • Students with all smiley faces may go to the Treasure Chest on Friday

4. CHAMPS Expectations • Before each activity, expectations are shared with the class • We use CHAMPS to set expectations • CHAMPS expectations are school-wide • Voice levels are monitored • In the hallway, the voice level is always 0 *** Demonstration***

5. Reading and Writing Workshop • Reading and Writing is taught using a Workshop format • This format consists of a teacher mini lesson, student discussion, and student practice • I will confer with students individually about their Reading and Writing.

6. Word Study • Word Study is our spelling program where students make words. • This program is not about memorizing words • Word Study focuses on word families ***Demonstration***

7. Lunch Time • Our lunch is from 12:48- 1:18pm • We eat our snack around 11:05am every day • Please make sure you send dry snacks and only water to drink • When eating lunch with your child, please sit with them at the parent table • To pay lunch in advance, you may pay online at www.mealpayplus.com

8. Dress Code • Name tags must be worn to school and during school every day • If name tag is lost, you will need send your child with $3 for a replacement • Shorts must be long enough that finger tips touch • Leggings can be worn if shirt covers student appropriately

9. Purple take Home Folder • Please check your child’s purple folder daily • Inside folder: • Conduct card • Homework • Newsletter • Important papers • Student conduct card will need to be checked and signed every day

10. Blue Tuesday Folder • Every Tuesday, graders papers will be sent home to be reviewed • The folder should be signed after reviewing • If the folder is not sent, this means assessments were not given or were not written

11. Homework • Students will read their Take Home Reader everyday • Students will write their book on their Reading log • Students will complete one Math or ELA page for homework every night • All homework pages are due every Friday • Take Home Reader will be due every Friday • If homework is not returned by Friday your child will receive a conduct mark.

12. Newsletter • The Newsletter will be placed inside the Take Home Folder monthly • The Newsletter includes: • Reminders • What we will be learning • Word Study spelling patterns

13. Birthdays • Birthdays are very important at this age • All treats for the class must be delivered by 10:30am • Please let me know when you will be sending treats • I will verify that another birthday will be celebrated • The school suggests individual store bought cupcakes • No drinks or treat bags are allowed

14. Thank you Parents • You are your child’s first teacher • You are my best resource as a teacher • We must continue to work together to benefit your child’s educational success • THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAV E DONE & ALL THAT YOU WILL DO THIS SCHOOL YEAR!!

15. Questions and Answers • Individual student conferences will be scheduled very soon; however, I would love to know if you have any questions or concerns about the information you just received.