Communication
Email is the best way to contact me. My email address is djbarr@dcsdk12.org. If you have an issue that needs more immediate attention, please leave a message in the office and it will be given to me at my next break. The main number to Cougar Run is (303)387-6675. I would love to have you sign-up at with your email address so I can add you to our email list. Be sure to check our website monthly for information on current classroom learning, updates and important happenings.
Arrival
We start our day with a soft start. This means that student can enter the building starting at 8:25 and head straight to the classroom. The late bell rings at 8:40. Students backpacks , jackets and coats will be kept in their designated cubbies. Water bottles are permitted, but PLEASE send one with a top that pulls up and closes. Water bottles with screw off caps are very hard for the kids to open and have a tendency to spill on papers, books, and projects. Thanks!
Dismissal
Please talk with your child about a dismissal plan. We dismiss at 3:30 PM in the same area on the lower playground The first week of school, we will walk students out a few minutes early to the back playground. If your child rides the bus, a bus helper will assist during the first week, walking with students to the bus loop. Children that go to Cougar Club will also have an escort the first week.
If your child is to walk with a neighbor or sibling, it is usually best to have them meet your child on the lower playground. Again, the playground is closed after school unless parents are present. We will ask your child how he or she is going home the first day of school. If you make changes to your child's dismissal plan, please let me know!
Lunch
We go to lunch at 11:25 and eat lunch at 11:50 each day. Students may pack a lunch from home or get lunch in the cafeteria. ***Lunch is free this year.***If your child will be buying breakfast, there are several ways to pay. You may send in a check made out to "Nutritional Services" . The amount of your check will be deposited under your child's name and he or she can deduct from that amount each time a lunch is purchased. This is much easier than sending cash, which is easily lost. There is also the option of adding to your child's lunch account online through the Douglas County School District website. This is also where you can find and print the monthly lunch schedule as it will not be sent home. Teachers and lunch aides will assist your child through the lunch process the first week of school.
Snacks
We eat very early and your child may want to bring a healthy snack to enjoy, during afternoon recess if he or she chooses. Our afternoon recess is at 2:30 and students can enjoy a snack outside at this time. Please send something simple, such as fruit or granola bars, popcorn, veggies, etc. We are not able to heat your child's snack or provide spoons or other utensils.
Instruction
This is a huge year for literacy! Your child will be learning many reading strategies and comprehension skills. We will be spending time organizing ideas in our writing and learning about conventions. Our Wonders Reading Program will have our young writers exploring words in many ways. Our Ready Math Program helps develop concepts deeply as defined by the Common Core standards. We'll think like scientists and explore earth science, life science, and physical science. This is great chance to look at the world around us and wonder WHY? As we learn about social studies, we think about how our economy works as well as how we learn from history and the lessons we can learn from famous people.
Homework
My expectation is that students will choose at least one iReady math and reading lesson each week. Additionally read for a minimum of 10-20 minutes every night. In the first days of school, we will talk a lot about the 3 ways to read a book. They are: look at the pictures, read the words, and retell a story you've already read. Students can do this independently or with a family member throughout the week. Be sure to have students reread books and listen to reading as well.
Management
I use many different reward systems in the classroom to reinforce positive behavior. These include a Marble Jar, which rewards working together as a community of learners and our stickers, which reward individual behaviors. We also participate in the school-wide ROCKS program, with which we teach and encourage Responsibility, Respect, the Power of One, Compassion, Kindness, and Safety. I am a believer in natural consequences, so when undesirable behavior occurs, I try as much as possible to match the consequence to the behavior. Privately, we discuss a plan for getting back on track. Occasionally, students may need to miss a portion of recess as part of the consequence. I try to teach my students that everyone makes mistakes (even the teacher!) but it is important to learn from them.
Celebrations
Birthdays are special occasions and we will celebrate everyone's birthday together in class. Due to the number of allergies, First Grade has implemented a No Treat policy for birthdays. Instead, we will celebrate the birthday boy or girl by singing to them, they will get to wear a special hat. I will also have a few items just for them. Non-food treats are welcome as an alternative to food, such as trinkets , bouncy balls, fidgets, or pencils/erasers are just a few examples.
THANK YOU for helping us honor our No Treat policy!
If you and your child are planning on having a birthday celebration outside of school, we ask that you do NOT send invitations to school to be passed out, unless you are inviting the whole class.
The class will celebrate certain holidays during the school year. I will work with our room parent(s) to set up these events and we will give you details about the dates and activities for these parties later in the year. Parents are welcome to attend and if you are available to assist in any way, please list your name and phone number on the volunteer sign-up sheet at Supply Drop Off.
Friday Folders
Friday Folders will be sent home each Friday. Be sure to empty the folder over the weekend and to send it back on Monday with your child. Friday Folders usually have lots of important information from the office and myself. I also send all graded class work home in the folders. Please make time to go over any these papers with your child. The folder will also contain a communication page. Thanks!
Book Orders
Book orders will come home periodically. They are a great and affordable source for reading materials to have at home and a wonderful way to help earn bonus points towards purchasing books for our classroom. I will usually send them home either in the Friday Folders .If you wish to order, fill out the slip and make a check out to the book club. You may also order online by going to scholastic.com/readingclub using the code DVH 869. Books usually arrive within two weeks.
Specials
One week rotations of P.E., Music, and Art will continue throughout the year. Please remember to have your child wear tennis shoes on P.E. weeks. We will be going to the tech lab once a week and technology will be integrated into the classroom daily. We will visit the Library Commons each week. Be sure to help your child with the responsibility of remembering to turn in their books on time.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our classroom policies! If you have any questions, please let me know!
Daily Schedule
8:40-9:10 - Opening/Number Corner
9:10-10:20 Whole Group- UFLI Phonics Literacy/Wonders
10:20- 11:20Literacy Rotations
11:25-12:05- Recess/Lunch
12:10-12:20 Second Step/Read Aloud
12:20- 1:10 - Math
1:10-1:55- Specials
2:00-2:25- Writing
2:30-2:50- Recess/snack
2:50-3:20- Science/Social Studies
3:20-3:30- Reflection and Clean Up
3:30- Dismissal