HOMEWORK
   Your child will receive instruction using the Saxon Phonics and Saxon Math programs and will have homework in each subject.  This is to be completed at home, under parental supervision, before being returned to school the following day.
   Your child will receive instruction in reading using the Scott-Foresman Reading series.  From time to time, your child will bring a little reader home.  Please read it with your child until he/she is able to read it without difficulty, initial it, and return it to school.
   Please stress the importance of neatness on all work, and have your child use a pencil when writing and the correct color (for example, red instead of red orange and green instead of yellow green) when asked to color.  We ask that you initial your child’s homework to indicate that you have helped him/her and have looked the paper over before it is returned.
  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that your child complete his/her homework each night and return it the next day.  This plays a large role in his/her success in the programs.
  

POCKET FOLDERS
  Your child has been given two pocket folders to bring home each day.  The green folder is his/her “take home” folder.  Corrected papers, notes, etc. will be sent home in this.  The blue folder is his/her “homework” folder.  Homework will be sent home in it and should be placed back inside when completed so that it can be returned to school the next day.  We will use the same folder for both Language Arts and math homework, with math being on the left and Language Arts on the right.  No homework will be given on Fridays.

SNACK
   Each month I will send a snack calendar home with your child.  I would really like to stress the importance of healthy eating habits with the students this year.  Please send a nutritious snack for your child to share with the class on his or her assigned day.  When selecting a snack to send, please look at the ingredients it contains.  If sugar is one of the first three ingredients listed, you might consider another choice.  Your child will be assigned his or her birthday (or the closest school day), and you are welcome to send a special treat, such as cupcakes, on that day.  Please do not send a cake, as it is difficult to handle, is quite time consuming to cut and pass out, and requires plates and forks.  Thanks!  We have 20 students in our class at this time.

CAFETERIA/MILK PRICES
        -Breakfast is available each morning for 75¢.  Those on the reduced plan will pay 25¢.
       -White or chocolate milk is available each day at snack time for 35¢.  If you would like to pay for the whole
         week, you may do so by sending in $1.75 on Monday.
       -The cost of school lunch is $1.40.  Those on the reduced plan will pay 25¢.
       -Extra snacks (chips, cheese sticks, cookies, ice cream, etc.) are available at lunchtime.  Prices for these
         items vary from 40¢ to 65¢.   First graders will be allowed to buy an extra snack on Friday only.

**When sending money to school with your child, please place it in an envelope, zip-loc bag, film canister, etc. with your child’s name and the amount enclosed.  Please indicate what it is to be used for (breakfast, lunch, a snack at lunch, milk break, etc.) and how many days you are paying for.  Thanks!

CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE
   Discipline problems in the classroom can hinder my ability to teach effectively and the students’ ability to learn.  In order to maintain a healthy learning environment and to maximize teaching and learning opportunities, discipline problems must be kept to a minimum.  I am very optimistic that I will have the cooperation of the students.  Good behavior is encouraged at all times, and is rewarded and praised.  Individual and whole group incentives/rewards for making good choices are also used.  The following describes the manner in which behavior problems are handled.
            1^st offense:  student’s name is written on board--warning
            2^nd offense:  check by name and 5 minutes time out during which student reflects upon his/her behavior
                                 and thinks of ways to change it
            3^rd offense:  another check and 10 minutes time out
            4^th offense:  another check and 15 minutes time out
            5^th offense:  see Miss Pressey; Parents may be notified by note or telephone call.

BOOK CLUBS
   Each month you will receive book order forms.  I would encourage you to look them over with your child.  The book clubs offer many nice books at low prices and serve as a means of encouraging children to read.  I will send the first order forms home next week.  You will have the option of completing the paper order form and returning it to me with your payment or of ordering on-line and using your credit card to pay.

COMMUNICATIONS
   I try to send notes home on a regular basis to keep you abreast of things going on in the classroom and at our school.  Please check your child’s backpack on a daily basis so as not to miss these.
       Your child will be bringing home a weekly newsletter.  This will include student’s news, notes from me, skills being taught, dates to remember, etc.  Please look for our class newsletter each Friday.  This will also be found on our class website.
      Your child will be bringing home a yellow “Friday Folder” on Fridays.  I will comment on the kind of week your child had, will indicate any problems that have occurred and areas of concern.  I ask that you write down any of your concerns and that you keep me abreast of any changes going on at home that might affect your child’s performance in school.  Please sign your child’s folder before returning it to school on Monday.  This will let me know that you have read my comments.  Folders that are not signed will be sent home again until they are returned with a parent signature.

WATER BOTTLES
   Students do not have access to the drinking fountain throughout the day.  A water bottle has been purchased for each of the first graders.  These will be kept in school.  Your child will be responsible for filling his/her own bottle each morning before school begins.

RECESS
   We hope to go outside each day, weather permitting, so please dress your child accordingly.