Math

Our math resource, Bridges, has many connections to real world math problems. At the start of each unit you will get a handout that provides an overview of what we will be learning. 

 Students will focus intensively on the four critical areas specified by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in Grade One:

• Addition and subtraction within 20

• Whole number relationships and place value

• Linear measurement in non-standard units

• Reasoning with shapes and their attributes

Science 

There are three main units in The Building Blocks of Science:

• Exploring Organisms: First graders start learning about basic needs for survival as they look at themselves, their parents, and at bean plants. 

• Sky Watchers: Students build on their understanding of day and night, seasons, shadow and the moon’s patterns.

• Light and Sound: Students begin to learn about waves the world by exploring the properties of light and sound.  

Social Studies

Our social studies units relate to your first grader’s world and include: 

• Civics & Government

• Geography

• Economics

• History

Wit and Wisdom

This program builds knowledge of key topics in history, science, and literature through the study of excellent texts.  This program will be used to develop vocabulary, comprehension, speaking, writing, asking and answering questions.  More details of what will be covered will be provided in our weekly newsletter.

Handwriting

We will be focusing on forming letters correctly and spacing words apart. using the letter formation prompts and paper from our FUNdations program. 

Word Study/Phonics

FUNdations is our phonics program that lays the groundwork for life-long literacy.  Your student will receive a systematic program in critical foundational skills such as: 

• phonemic awareness, phonics/word study

• high frequency word study

• reading fluency

• vocabulary 

• comprehension strategies

• handwriting

• spelling. 

Heggerty is another tool used for phonics. These 10 minute daily lessons include: 

• rhyming

• onset fluency

• isolating beginning, middle & end sounds

• blending & segmenting words

• syllables & phonemes

• adding & deleting phonemes 

• substituting phonemes. 

What time can my first grader be on the playground in the morning?

Students can arrive to the playground between 7:20-7:35. If you drop your student off in the morning please make sure they are on time as snack is right away in the morning and for a short period of time. 

Can my first grader bring a water bottle to school?

Yes. Water bottles are kept on two trays in the classroom (instead of at desks) to prevent spills. We will have built in water breaks during the day. 

What if my first grader has a bathroom accident?

I encourage all students to have a change of clothes in their backpack, not just for a bathroom accident, but if they get messy at recess or spill and need dry clothes. 

How do papers go home?

Students will get mail and be told which side of their folder it goes on. Keep at home is for you to look at and then keep or toss. The return to school side requires action from you.

What should I do if I need to pick my first grader up early?

Call Mrs. Tilton in the front office at 715.726.2411 to let her know. I also appreciate you send me a dojo message or writing in your first grader’s sentence journal. Since I’m not able to check dojo at consistent times throughout the day it’s most important to inform the office. 

Will my first grader have homework?

ALL homework is OPTIONAL. I want your first grader to go home, relax and be a kid after a day of hard work at school. Instead of a grade, students will earn dojo dollars for completing homework. 

Is lunch still free?

No, unless you qualify for Free and Reduced lunch. Please make sure your student’s account is always above zero. 

I want to pick my first grader up at the end of the day. Do I just show up?

No. Please notify the office and myself. You also need to bring the orange pickup sheet you got at open house. 

How will I know what the class is learning?

The weekly newsletter on dojo includes an overview of what we will be learning. I also send home papers first graders have completed and an overview of each unit in Fundations, Math and Wit & Wisdom. 

Do you allow volunteers?

Yes! First and foremost, your paperwork needs to be up to date each year. We are always happy to have grownups join us on field trips. There may also be opportunities to help in the classroom including: a mystery reader, classroom parties and spring bean planting or other projects where extra hands would be helpful. 

How will I know what’s happening in the classroom?

Check out the weekly newsletter on dojo! I also try to post pictures of students working a couple of times a week. Students will eventually post videos on dojo which are always adorable and will show you what we are working on. 

Can my first grader bring in a birthday treat?

Yes, we love celebrating birthdays (or half birthdays)! Our days are busy so please send me a dojo message when you are sending a treat in so I can make time for us to enjoy the treat and celebrate your first grader. It’s also preferred to send in individually wrapped treats. 

Can I send birthday invitations to school?

Yes, as long as there is an invitation for each student in the class. If you are not inviting the whole class please find another way to send invitations home. 

Why does the schedule look different than last year?

We now share our art and music teachers with Jim Falls due to our enrollment. This resulted in a complicated schedule! You can view a color coded schedule on my website by scanning the QR code. 

Can siblings come on field trips? No.