WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE

Please take a moment to write a short, simple response in your child’s journal before we

begin.

All About Me Education Saint Mark’s, Preschool, K, and 3rd

Occidental College, BA in EnglishClaremont Graduate University, MA in Education

CredentialsCalifornia Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Experience1994-1999, West Covina Unified, K and 1st

2005- present, Saint Mark’s School

The next generation….

Things to Know Class Motivation System

10 chips=1 stamp

10 stamps = treasure box

V.I.P.: “Very Important Person.” Decorate board with photos, drawings, collections, etc. May also bring 3 non-board items. Speedy home for weekend/week.

Birthdays: Optional, 2:30 set up @ outside tables.

Organizers

Must be brought to school daily.

Students should be responsible for placing organizers in basket.

Work from the previous week is sent home on Mondays.

Homework

Homework contract returned daily Use pencil unless otherwise directed Parents review homework Given by Language Arts teacher Should take no more than 30 minutes,

not including…

Reading Logs (Starting Monday 9/22)

Filled out “daily” Return on Friday Parents or students write “Sounding out” words is fine No blanks please!

Curriculum

Language Arts: Reading acquisition is a

developmental skill. Children learn to read at different

ages, usually between Kindergarten and 2nd grade.

In order to best meet your child at his/her current reading level, we will “switch” for Language Arts.

“Switching” for Language Arts Both language arts classes use the same

curriculum (Harcourt Trophies), but tailor the lessons to meet the needs of our students (Reading A – Z, Express Readers).

The grouping is fluid, and we look at student progress each quarter and reevaluate.

Our goal is for all students to leave first grade with confidence in themselves and their reading ability.

Math We are using Math in Focus (Singapore Math)

We spend significant time establishing number sense and developing the concept of ten. We use the number line, songs, concrete manipulatives, and games to reinforce this important skill.

Math binders are used to challenge students on an individual level. They can choose to work in these binders whenever they have completed an in-class math assignment.

Touchmath: a transitional tool used to support students in their understanding of number sense, addition, and subtraction.

Theme Topics of Study

Beginning in November, first grade creates passports and boarding passes and begins a tour of all seven continents!

If you have any firsthand knowledge of specific countries, we welcome you to visit!

Communication & Teacher Pages

Check the Teacher Pages regularly for the Monday Memo and other information. http://tpages.saint-marks.org/tpages/?

I can be reached by email at heatherb@saint-marks.org during school hours or heaterh@mac.com in the evenings or on weekends.

I also check my voicemail throughout the day: (626) 798-8858, ext. 247

Please call the office if your child will be absent, and leave a message on my voicemail as well.

Parent Conferences

Fall Parent Conferences are 13 and 14.

Spring Parent Conferences end of March

Look for Sign Up Genius link to schedule

Technology

Apple TV iPads (Math Bingo, Word Bingo,

Intro to Math, Kidgitz, Simplex Spelling, Number Bonds)

Computer Lab

Here’s to a great year!Any questions?