ABC'S of First Grade

The ABC’s of 

Ms. Smith’s First Grade

A is for attendance– if your child will be out for the day, you need to call the office and let them know. You can call ahead of time, as well. The attendance line number is 303-734-5780 or email sandburgattendance@gmail.com.

B is for birthdays – we look forward to celebrating birthdays in First grade. You are invited to bring in a favorite book to be read to the class in honor of the birthday boy/girl!  Some children also enjoy donating their favorite book to the classroom birthday library, though please don’t feel obligated. Summer birthdays are celebrated as well at the end of the year.  

C is for conferences which are held 2 times a year; week of October and March. 

D is for dismissal. First grade lets out at 2:45. Students will be allowed to meet their parents on either playground, go to SACC or to the bus. Please be sure to have a spot to meet. Don’t worry if they don’t make it the first day. It is a big change and teachers are here to help reunite everyone. 

E  is for e-mail. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns you may have. My e-mail address is edsmith@lps.k12.co.us 

F is for Friday folders. Our take-home folders will be sent home on Fridays with

work for you to see and sometimes lots of information as well. Please check them each weekend! If you have anything for my attention, please return the folder each and every Monday. Also, if you have anything for my attention, please return it in the folder.

G is for gym. Our P.E. teacher is Mr. Rowe. Please make sure your child wears tennis shoes on P.E. days! Once winter sets in, it may be a good idea to keep a pair of tennis shoes in your child’s backpack since our Specials schedule is now on a rotating basis!

H is for homework. Your child will have reading homework each week. It comes home on Monday and should be returned on Friday.  20 min of reading is expected each night. Spend time with your child playing board games, counting anything and everything, reading books together, and I will also have some projects to be done at home to share in class. 

I is for inside days. When the temperature outside goes below 21 degrees (including wind chill) we will stay inside. Otherwise - please dress for the weather and be sure to label all clothing items. We need to get outside and get some fresh air and movement  everyday.

J is for juggling...we all know it is hard to juggle everything life throws at us! Remember to take time to enjoy this magical first grade year with your child and connect with them on their journey, before you know it they will be off to college!

K is for kindness. We work hard in first grade teaching appropriate behaviors. We are learning how to be a good friend, solve problems and be a responsible person. Please let me know if there is a problem that needs intervention. Children are working on independence and solving these issues but sometimes you need a grown up to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

L is for Library.  First Graders get to check out 2 books each week! Please help your child to remember to pack their library books in their backpacks on Monday night so they will be allowed to check out during our scheduled library time.

M is for My School Bucks: This is where you can put money into your child’s lunch account, check balances and purchase history. You may also send a check in for lunches. 

N is for News! The Sandburg website is a pleorthia of information. Please check there for timely school happenings. I will email you with specific happenings for the classroom. 

O is for Orders, Scholastic Book Orders – I will  send home a book order every

month. The Scholastic book club is a great way to add inexpensive titles to your home library! (And, they help earn points that go towards book purchases for our classroom, too.) I will usually send them home in the first Friday folder of the month and would like them returned the Wednesday following. You can also go online and use our class code GN2DP to order directly.

P is for Planning Days. There are two planning days this year. No more half days both days are non -student days. September 27, 2023 and April 18,2024

Q is for questions that you may have...always feel free to ask. No question is ever too small..

R is for rotating specials schedule. Our four specials; music, P.E STEM. We will rotate every day.

S is for snack. We are asking that each child bring a hearty snack each day . We have lunch at 10:55. Your child should also bring a water bottle with spout to close when not in use. 

T is for technology. Please be sure to stay connected using your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. 

U is for understanding our Positive Behavior Expectations (PBIS):

Productive Learners

 Always be Respectful

                                               Wise Choices

                                               Safety Everywhere

V  is for Volunteers without whom we would be lost. Classroom volunteers will be scheduled to begin in October. There is a special background check you need to complete each year check the web site or office for more details. 

W  is for website. The Sandburg website is a wealth of information, including the school calendar, lunch menu, fundraising information and also my teacher page with information about our classroom. Check it out! http://sandburg.littletonpublicschools.net

X is for x-tra special days; Halloween and Valentine’s Day! Our parties will be organized by our Room Parent/s and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to help. Each class has their own separate party; parade and party times are TBD.

Y is for YAY!, YAHOO!, YIPPEE! We get to go on Field Trips this year. We go to the farm, Museum of Nature and Science . We also need volunteers. I will let you know when. 

Z is for “zzzzzzzz” - Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep this year! We have lots to learn and magical memories to create! 

I hope this alphabet will give you and your child the foundation to have a wonderful First grade year at Sandburg Elementary!