Open House Information
From Mrs. Strack
Classroom Expectations
We will begin the school year with 24 first graders. The children are all unique individuals who are developing and learning at their own rates. The students and I must work cooperatively so that all can reach their full potentials. The following classroom rules will help us have a successful school year:
1. Be respectful to others (peers, adults, guests).
2. Be respectful to classroom and school materials.
3. Do your best!
In first grade, we will continue to work on appropriate school behavior and how to be respectful to others. We will dive further into academics than the students did in kindergarten; this will prove to be a challenge, yet very exciting at times! I expect students to do their best in both academic and social situations.
When students struggle following the outlined rules, I will remind them of the expectations necessary for successful learning. If I have to remind a student more than twice during a lesson, I may direct the student to sit off to the side and watch the behavior of their classmates. When I can see they are following the rules, I will immediately invite them back to the group. If this occurs often with a student, I will talk with their adult to find a solution.
Sometimes things happen at school that I may not see. If your first grader is uncomfortable or frustrated at school, please contact me. The best way to get ahold of me is through email, as I am able to check email more frequently than holding phone conversations. However, if you prefer, the best time to speak with me is between 3:00-3:30, but you may leave messages at any time.
Avon Elementary: (320) 845 - 5318
E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletters
I will upload* newsletters to my Weebly webpage at the beginning of each month to let families know what will be happening during the upcoming month of school. I also have this website that will be accessible for weekly updates on spelling words, math curriculum outline, etc. Avon Elementary sends monthly calendars and newsletters via email. Our math curriculum, Everyday Math, has a newsletter that will be sent home at the beginning of each unit to explain math lessons and homework help. Please keep these until the unit is completed, as there are answers to Home Links included. Watch for all of these newsletters and save them for your reference.
*If you do not internet access, paper copies will also be provided and stored in your child's home folder.
Snacks
We will take time for a quick snack each morning during our Math learning time. Crackers were on your classroom supply list. If your children would like to bring a healthy snack instead of the crackers offered each day they may do so. I will ask for crackers again when the supply needs replenishing. You can plan on two boxes per trimester.
From Mrs. Strack
Classroom Expectations
We will begin the school year with 24 first graders. The children are all unique individuals who are developing and learning at their own rates. The students and I must work cooperatively so that all can reach their full potentials. The following classroom rules will help us have a successful school year:
1. Be respectful to others (peers, adults, guests).
2. Be respectful to classroom and school materials.
3. Do your best!
In first grade, we will continue to work on appropriate school behavior and how to be respectful to others. We will dive further into academics than the students did in kindergarten; this will prove to be a challenge, yet very exciting at times! I expect students to do their best in both academic and social situations.
When students struggle following the outlined rules, I will remind them of the expectations necessary for successful learning. If I have to remind a student more than twice during a lesson, I may direct the student to sit off to the side and watch the behavior of their classmates. When I can see they are following the rules, I will immediately invite them back to the group. If this occurs often with a student, I will talk with their adult to find a solution.
Sometimes things happen at school that I may not see. If your first grader is uncomfortable or frustrated at school, please contact me. The best way to get ahold of me is through email, as I am able to check email more frequently than holding phone conversations. However, if you prefer, the best time to speak with me is between 3:00-3:30, but you may leave messages at any time.
Avon Elementary: (320) 845 - 5318
E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletters
I will upload* newsletters to my Weebly webpage at the beginning of each month to let families know what will be happening during the upcoming month of school. I also have this website that will be accessible for weekly updates on spelling words, math curriculum outline, etc. Avon Elementary sends monthly calendars and newsletters via email. Our math curriculum, Everyday Math, has a newsletter that will be sent home at the beginning of each unit to explain math lessons and homework help. Please keep these until the unit is completed, as there are answers to Home Links included. Watch for all of these newsletters and save them for your reference.
*If you do not internet access, paper copies will also be provided and stored in your child's home folder.
Snacks
We will take time for a quick snack each morning during our Math learning time. Crackers were on your classroom supply list. If your children would like to bring a healthy snack instead of the crackers offered each day they may do so. I will ask for crackers again when the supply needs replenishing. You can plan on two boxes per trimester.
Homework Folders
First grade is a good time to begin making homework a habit. I will send a home folder home each day and expect it back the following day. The folder will have page protectors within it that will contain their monthly newsletter/calendar, Speak Up calendar, and weekly spelling words. On Tuesdays you will find a math worksheet in their folder that is to be returned the following day. Please be sure to practice spelling words at least twice a week. Your child will need your guidance with some of these activities. Folders may also contain announcements that teachers need to send home with students. Please send the folder back to school each day, even when work isn’t completed, so that I have it for new assignments or information.
If you find the homework is too much for your family, please notify me so we can find a balance. If the homework is too easy, feel free to adapt it or make additions. Unfortunately, I will not have time during the day to individualize each folder.
Blue Book Bags
I will send blue book bags home on the first day of each week. The blue book bags contain one book per evening (typically 4) that should be appropriate for each student. Enjoy and record one book per night. (Think of them as “reading vitamins” – a little boost for their brain each evening.) Blue book bags need to be returned on Fridays (or the last day of each week) so that books can be rotated for the following week. I suggest your child reads the book to them-self first, then read aloud with you, and if the book is challenging partner read with your child. Reading about 20 minutes per evening is key to being a successful reader!
The book bags belong to Avon Elementary and need to be handled with care. Please only allow the reading log and books to go into the bags.The books that are sent home with students are my personal books. I expect that students treat these books with great care. I keep track of which books students take home each week and expect they are returned on time so that other students can enjoy them also. Thank you for taking good care of our classroom library!
**Please note that on 3-day weeks we will not send the Blue Book Bags home.
Birthdays and Class Celebrations
First graders love to celebrate their birthdays and holidays. All children will get a chance to celebrate their birthdays at school. Those who have summer birthdays can celebrate their “half birthdays” during the winter months. I will send a reminder home near half birthdays. When birthdays land on weekends, the students will decide if they would like to celebrate on the Friday before or the Monday afterward. Parents may send special treats* if they wish, keeping in mind it needs to follow our district wellness policy. All food must be purchased in a store or bakery and be sealed.
Our school policy is that we have one special "treat" day each month in which students are able to bring in any store-bought food item without it being sent back home ~ this supports our district's wellness policy and encourages healthy eating. Examples of our "treat days" are Halloween, Christmas Party, Valentine's Day, and so forth ~ on those days, students are able to bring in treats of their choice (ie: candy, cookies, cupcakes, etc). If unhealthy treats are sent to school for your child's birthday on a day other than our "treat day" then they will be sent back home.
If birthday treats that are sent to school are food, please see the Celebration Order Form button below and the Smart Snacks button. First-grade teachers are strongly encouraging parents to bring in healthy snacks so that we can celebrate your child's birthday on/near their actual birthday. We feel it is important for them to be able to celebrate on their day as they are young and filled with much pride, excitement on their birthday.
*"Treats” do not need to be food. Other examples of treats are stickers, play-dough, pencils, markers, glow bracelets, erasers, a game to share, a book to share, or anything else your child may enjoy sharing with the class.
If your children plan birthday parties outside of school, I ask that you send invitations by mail, or that you invite by telephone or email. Though I understand that groups must be limited in size, students feel bad and can have a spoiled day when they are not invited to a classmate’s party. Thank you for your sensitivity in this matter.