First Grade is a happy and fun-filled time in your child’s life when learning is exciting and rewarding. The classroom climate is one of inquiry and fulfillment, not one of force or pressure. It is my desire to make it a beneficial and enjoyable experience for your child. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you this year in guiding your child through the readiness skills that will equip him/her for the formal learning ahead.
Communications
Your child will be bringing home a folder each night in his/her backpack. This folder will be used to relay our daily accomplishments, notes to the parents, and any other classroom activities that we will need to share with the parents. Please make sure you read this information and let your child know that you have taken the time to look at his/her nightly folder. If you need to send a note to me, please place it into the folder and your child will give it to me the next day. Please feel free to contact me at any time concerning any questions or concerns you may have. I may be reached at school at 815-838-7858 or by Parent Square and/or email jcarter@d92.org. The goals we share concerning your child and his/her education will certainly profit from good communication.
Email me: jcarter@d92.org
When’s lunch? What’s for lunch? Those are the most frequently asked questions the first couple of weeks in first grade! Students have a choice to bring a lunch from home or to purchase a school lunch. They can choose between hot lunch, yogurt lunch, or vegan lunch. There is also the option to purchase milk only. Our lunch time will be from 11:50 a.m. -12:50 p.m. on M, T, Tr, F. Lunch time on Wednesdays will be 11:20 a.m. -12:20 p.m. We will be having a snack break all school year. Your child should bring a healthy snack. Your child should begin bringing a snack on Wednesday, August 20th.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedure
Arrival: Students who are car riders are dropped off at Door 6 where they go to the gym to wait there until it is time to come into the classroom. Bus Riders come in Door 1 in the front of building and go straight to their lockers and wait there until it is time to come into the classroom.
Dismissal: At approximately 3:20 pm dismissal will begin. Bus students will be walked down to the gym to form lines to board their busses. Students who are walkers or car riders will be dismissed out Door #10. Please see Mrs. Urban's email with video with our new dismissal procedure for specific instructions. All students who are not picked up by 3:30 will need to be picked up in the office. When you have a change in your child’s departure schedule, please let me know by sending a note to school or by calling the office by 3:00 p.m. Please don't forget Wednesdays are early dismissal days.
Monthly Newsletter
Every month your child will be receiving a newsletter informing you of what is going on in our grade level from academic studies to social events. The first grade newsletter may be accessed on Parent Square. Please take the time to review the newsletter monthly as well as talk about our school activities with your child. This will show your child you are interested in his/her school progress.
Do your Best and Be Ready to Learn.
Eyes Forward & Listen.
Raise your Hand.
Be Respectful and say Please and Thank you.
Share and Take Turns.
Keep Hands to Yourself.
Follow Directions.
Try New Things.
Believe in Yourself.
Work Hard & Have Fun
Color strip system used. 1st time a child breaks a rule, he/she will receive a warning. 2nd time, they will pull their green strip. 3rd time, they will pull their yellow strip. 4th time, they will pull their red strip in which they will be having a conversation with me so we can discuss how they can make better choices. If they keep their strips on green, they will receive a dollar. When they earn 5 dollars they will be able to buy something from the treasure chest.
We will also be participating in our Walsh Building Bulldog bucks this year earning tickets for good behavior. Students will be able to go to the Pet Shop every other Friday to buy something.
Each week your child will have homework it will be labeled or be in their take-home folder on the Return to School Side. Please sign next to anything that requires a signature. Please complete homework in a timely manner. Don't forget Boost will also need to be done nightly on the ipad. I will let you know when homework begins. Ipads will be sent home on a daily basis and are expected to be returned to school fully charged the following school day.
We love to celebrate birthdays at school! If you would like to add to the excitement of your child’s special day you may send in a birthday take home party favor of some kind. Some examples of party favors would be small puzzles, books, games, etc. We are food free this year. If you are planning to have a home party, to avoid hurt feelings, please do not pass out invitations at school for home parties unless you are inviting the entire class or all the boys or girls.
Wish List and Volunteers
Wish List
Toys for the treasure chest
Games/Puzzles for indoor recess
Volunteers
I will let you know through parent square or email when help is needed in the classroom.