Survival Guide

Dear Parents,

             First grade is an exciting and important year of a child’s education.  Your child will encounter many events, people, and experiences for the first time.  It is a year for exploration, discovery, and growth.  Working together we can help your child make the necessary adjustments.

             In this handbook, you will find information about some of our first grade classroom procedures and hopefully it will answer some of your questions.  Feel free to call with any others.  (You will also be receiving a Whiting Lane Handbook that will cover procedures relating to our school as a whole.)

             We are looking forward to working with you to make this a successful year for your child.

                                                                         Sincerely,

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

 Each child’s birthday will be celebrated with a birthday crown and Happy Birthday song.  For your child’s special day he/she may bring in a favorite book to be read in honor of their birthday.

SHARING

       Your child will have a chance to share (“show and tell”) on ________________.  His/her turn will always fall on that day of the week.  Books, newspaper articles, and objects relating to subjects we are studying are appropriate.  Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school.  Your child should prepare three statements about the item he/she brings in to share.  

REST TIME

              Since most children will be tired during the first few weeks of school, we strongly suggest an afternoon rest or early bedtime.  The more well rested your child is the more easily he/she will be able to adjust to and cope with the new school routine.

 ABSENCES AND LEAVING EARLY

 If your child is going to be absent, please call 233-8541 to report the absence.  Also, for your child’s protection, a note must be sent in if he/she is to be dismissed early or to be picked up by someone other than yourselves.  When picking your child up early, adults must report to the office and ask office personnel to telephone the classroom.  Please do not come directly down to the classrooms.  Your help is appreciated in making our school a smoothly run, safe building.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

          We will keep you informed about classroom activities through newsletters, notes, and our Home-School Journals.  Once our homework notebook begins coming home you will find this an excellent way to keep abreast of curriculum and special events. 

Please feel free to call us before or after school hours.  Our switchboard’s hours are 8:00 to 4:00 (233-8541).  You may call and leave a voice mail at any time.  We normally check voice mail before school, at lunch, and after the children leave. 

SNACKS 

            Each day your child will have an opportunity to enjoy a short snack break.  Your child is encouraged to bring a small, nutritious snack and bottled water.  Do not send in other beverages.  Please do not send in snacks containing peanuts or peanut butter.  This is a town-wide policy for all our schools.  Thanks! 

SPECIALS

             Special area classes for your child’s classroom have been scheduled on the following days:

 SCHOLASTIC NEWS 

            As part of our integrated program we would like to use the Scholastic News.  There will be a cost of          for each child.  Your prompt return of this amount will be appreciated.  (No checks, please!)  Enclose the exact amount in the attached envelope with your child’s name.  Thanks! 

BOOK CLUB

             In order to encourage reading at home, your child will receive a flier monthly showing books you can purchase at a reasonable price.  Please look over the flier. If you would like to buy any books, send the order form along with a check made out to Scholastic Book Club in an envelope marked with your child’s name.  We will need the orders back at school within the week.  You, of course, are not required to order books but we feel this is a service we can offer with a minimum of effort to all.  We’ve attached September’s flier to this handbook. 

RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY

             Our goal is to build a community of learners who exhibit positive behaviors that support our school-wide theme of Respect and Responsibility.  During the first few weeks of school, children will become involved in developing classroom rules, goals, and consequences.  These rules will focus on respecting others, displaying responsible behavior, demonstrating good work habits, and following directions.  Children exhibiting behaviors that support the theme of Respect and Responsibility will be acknowledged periodically with a certificate to share with you at home.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

             There are a few things your child will need for school.

¨      Labeled smock or old shirt for art class

¨      Labeled backpack or tote bag carried daily

¨      Small coin purse for lunch and milk money

¨      A box of watercolor paints

¨      4 Elmer’s school glue sticks (.77oz)

¨      2 black or blue felt-tipped pens (flair)  

HOMEWORK

             Beginning the third week in September, Monday through Thursday nights your child will bring home a folder with his/her homework assignment.  Your child should complete the assignment in the folder and return the folder the next morning.  Encourage your child to do his/her best but please do not do the assignment for him/her.  The assignments might reinforce a skill learned in class or relate to a special program or project.