Back to School Night

1. Back to School Night Mrs. Saltzer 2014-2015

2. Meet Mrs. Saltzer • Bachelors and Masters Degrees from West Chester University • NC First Grade Teacher since 2004 • Married for 8 years • One beautiful 2 year old daughter, Clara • NC resident for 11 years

3. Meet the 1st Grade Team • Mrs. Bealer • Mrs. Royer • Mrs. Dunn • Mrs. Buettler • Miss Scheib • Mrs. Saltzer

4. Morning Schedule • Morning Jobs • Unpack, Sign In, Lunch Choice, Yes/No Question, Library, Independent Reading • Morning Meeting & Read Aloud • Gather on carpet to discuss day and engage in interactive read aloud • Literacy Work Stations • Students will complete 4 stations lasting about 20-25 minutes • Guided Reading Groups • Work on Writing • Word Study • Free Choice

5. Morning Schedule • Literacy Centers allows for Tier Time/RTI • Assessment Driven • Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessment • Running Records • Group students to work on skills needed • Progress monitoring • Reading teachers support the process • Flexible Groups in the classroom

6. Recess & Lunch • Every child has an account in the cafeteria. • Money can be deposited into this account by the day, week, month or even semester. • Checks and money should be in a sealed envelope with the child’s name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. Deposits are sent to the office each morning. • Children can purchase a full lunch or just milk using this system. • Families can access their student’s account information by visiting www.ojrsd.com, selecting North Coventry from the ‘Schools Tab’, then select ‘Food Services’. • Milk is included in the cost of lunch; water is extra. • Snacks are available each day for 75%. Please make sure your child knows if snacks are permitted and funds are available. • The lunch menu will be available each month on the school website as well as our class website. • When packing, please make sure they have everything necessary from utensils to napkins.

7. Afternoon Schedule • Writing Workshop • Lucy Calkins Units of Study • Narrative, Informational, Opinion • Writer Workshop Steps: • Draft Ideas, Revise, Edit, Publish • Starts with a mini lesson to teach conventions of writing or the craft of writing • Children generate their own ideas for writing • Children are encouraged to write about their lives and experiences • Partnerships are established to support one another as writers • Students write for extended periods of time (build stamina) • Teachers conference with individuals and small groups of students • Class meets at the end to share and extend learning

8. Afternoon Schedule • Calendar • Students gather on carpet to engage in calendar routines working with days of the week, odd/even patterns, weather & temperature • Everyday Mathematics • A problem solving approach based on everyday situations • An instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly • Frequent practice of basic skills, often through games • Lessons based on activities and discussion, not a textbook • Mathematical content that goes beyond basic arithmetic

9. Afternoon Schedule • Science • Nature of Science: Scientific Tools and Observations • Earth & Space Science: Weather & Clouds • Biological Sciences: Basic Needs & Groups of Living Things • Social Studies • Community • Government • Map Skills • Beginning US and PA history

10. Afternoon Schedule • Specials • Day One: Rotating Special • Quarter 1, Gym; Q2, Guidance; Q3, Art; Q4, Music • Day Two: Library (Books can be returned) • Day Three: Gym (Wear sneakers!) • Day Four: Art (Dress for a possible mess!) • Day Five: Music (Bring your singing voice!)

11. Dismissal @ 3:10 • Parents sign out their children in the cafeteria. • The children should bring a note in the morning stating the plan for PM pick-up. • The children walk with the class at regular dismissal but go to the cafeteria instead of the bus. This takes time since we are the very last room in the opposite direction. Please be patient. • Girls going to Brownies need a note stating they have permission to stay after school to meet with a specific Brownie troop. Please send a note for every meeting so we are sure you know there is a meeting.

12. Communication • Weekly Email of Updates • Website • www.mrssaltzersclass.weebly.com is updated weekly *Please email, or send in a note, with questions or concerns. • Skyward • Events and grades are updated weekly; check often so report cards are not surprising • PTO • Together Everyone Achieves More! Please consider volunteering for an event!

13. Behavior • Clip Chart • Flexible throughout the day • Opportunity to exceed expectations • “Pink Card” will be used for parent contact • Star Tables • Tables can receive tickets for working well • Wally Wildcat • Students can be “caught” being good!

14. Homework • Nightly Homework Time Guidelines • 10-15 minutes—Reading/Poem (Record on calendar in binder in 5 min. increments) • 10 minutes—Everyday Math Home Link (See calendar in binder for assignment) • 5 minutes—Practice Word Cards (Add sentence to back of card) or Word Sort • A book(s) will be sent home daily. These should be ‘just right’ books, sometimes being the guided reading book from that day’s lesson. Please return EACH DAY! • Math homework is checked on Friday; just make sure the week’s homework is completed by then. • Reading calendars are collected each month; please record reading by the end of the month.

15. Reading Strategies • Stop & Think What word would make sense? • Check for Picture Clues Check if letters match the picture you found. • Skip it – Read on What would make sense? Check letters for match. • Sound it Out Check letters. Blend the sounds. Does it make sense? • Ask for help

16. Miscellaneous • Snack • We will take a snack, bathroom, and brain break each afternoon between Writers Workshop and Everyday Math • Please make sure there are NO NUTS in snack • Birthdays • Please do not send in edible treats. Bookmarks or pencils are a good alternative. • Birthday invitations may not be distributed in school unless ALL classroom students are invited.*

17. Miscellaneous • Absences • Call the school if your child is going to be absent. • You will need to call (610)469-5688. • At the tone, please state your name (parent/ guardian), your relationship to the student, the student’s full name, their grade and teacher, the reason for the absence or tardiness, and a return phone number. • If you provide this information, you will NOT need to send in an excuse card.   • Medications • If your child is in need of a prescription medication while at school, the nurse will administer medications as needed. • The prescription must come in the original packaging with the child’s name and the directions clearly marked. • Questions regarding this should be forwarded to the school nurse, Mrs. Lemma at (610)469-5182.

18. Volunteering • Classroom Volunteers • Word Card Program • Philadelphia Zoo Trip in the Spring • Any parent with clearances welcome • District Policy • Child Abuse & Criminal Record clearances required • Questions? • Contact Kathy Snyder in the office at (610)469-5105 if you are unsure of your clearance status or for a volunteer packet.

19. Back to School Packet • There is A LOT more information in the Back to School Packet. • Please keep the emailed attachment to reference throughout the year and to learn more. • Packet

20. Thanks for coming! I’ve been getting to know your child over the past two weeks and I am really excited to watch them grow this year. Working together as a parent-teacher team will only enhance their growth. Please contact me with any questions or concerns; I’d be more than happy to help! I cannot wait to work with you and your child this year! Mrs. Saltzer