First Grade Back to School NightTuesday, September 13, 2011

Ms. Emily ImlerMs. Joy GiarratanoMs. Charlene Woo

Welcome to BTSN 2011!!!• Here is what we will cover this

evening:– Getting to know each other– First Grade 2.0 Curriculum Overview– Homework Policy and Procedure– Housekeeping– Don’t Forget Items– Visit Child’s homeroom

What is MCPS Curriculum 2.0?

New Internationally-driven standards in mathematics, reading, and writing.

Renewed focus on teaching the whole child.

Integrates thinking, reasoning, and creativity for a lifetime of learning.

New internationally-driven standards in mathematics, reading, and writing Developed by a group of states to help U.S.

students compete favorably with peers in leading academic nations.

More challenging than current Maryland standards.

Greater emphasis on depth of understanding at the elementary level in mathematics, reading, and writing.

Learn more at corestandards.org

Renewed focus on teaching the whole child The Thinking and Academic Success Skills are

the common thread that integrate content areas.

Content areas still maintain their separate goals and objectives.

Students learn more when making connections across content areas – natural areas for connections are provided.

ArtMathematics

MusicHealth

Information LiteracyReadingScience

Social StudiesWriting

Integrates thinking, reasoning, and creativity for a lifetime of learning.

What is MCPS Curriculum 2.0?Staying The Same Upgrade

Strong focus on reading and mathematics

Internationally-driven standards in mathematics, reading, and writing

• Separate times for art, music, and physical education and other specials

• Classroom teachers providing instruction in science and social studies

Integration of content areas through Thinking and Academic Success Skills

Thinking skills included in content areas

• Specific instruction on Thinking and Academic Success skills across content areas

• Clearly defined critical thinking, creative thinking, and academic success skills

Where can I learn more?http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/2.0/

Definitions and examples of Thinking and Academic Success Skills

Parent Guides for the content in each grade level – K-2 (what will my student learn?)

Video examples of integration Video on Mathematics changes Share your feedback with MCPS Detailed curriculum framework (philosophy, research,

content area learning objectives)

Homework

• First grade will start homework in the 2nd marking period (November 1, 2011).

• In the meantime, please encourage your children to either read independently or please read to them each night for 10-20 minutes.

Housekeeping• We need notes/emails 1st thing in the

morning when there is a change or play dates in where they are going after school.

• Birthday policy - we don’t have parties

Don’t Forget…• Sign up for conferences!• Please e-mail specific questions!• Leave your child a note when you

visit your child’s homeroom!

Conferences/ Room Parents/

Volunteer Information

Conferences:– Please sign up for your conference time before you leave

tonight if you have not done so. Conferences are held the 1st and 2nd week in November and are 20 minutes long. It is important that you sign up and come on time because if one parent is late, it can make all conferences thereafter off schedule.

– Sign up sheets will be available in the APR