September 1st, 2022
Dear Parents,
I want to welcome you and your children to first grade. The first days of school are always exciting for me, and this year is no exception. We will spend the first days getting acquainted with each other and becoming familiar with the classroom routines.
As we begin the year, I would like to provide you with information to help your child get off to a successful start. In the next couple of weeks, I will send you a preview of all of the exciting things we will be working on this month. If you have any questions, please donít hesitate to drop in or send in a note with your child. Please feel free to e-mail me at [ mailto:flynna@newton.k12.ma.us ]adele_flynn@newton.k12.ma.us. I will respond to your e-mails and notes within twenty-four hours.
SCHOOL HOURS
School begins at 8:10. If you arrive after 8:20 your child will be marked tardy. During the first 6 weeks of school, students will have an opportunity to have choice time after drop off. This will allow them to say hello to old freinds and make new ones. After this time, we will have B.S.W. (before school work) on most days so please try to arrive at 8:20. During B.S.W, your children will be practicing and reinforcing skills learned during the day. The activities are generally ìhands onî and are designed to enrich the curriculum. This ìsettling inî time also gives your children time to get organized for the day. Itís an important time of the day, so please try not to miss it. If you arrive after 8:30, please escort your child to the office to check in before coming downstairs.
On Wednesday's , all students are dismissed at 12:25. On all other days, \ students are dismissed at 2:50. Children will be dismissed from the door near the ART ROOM WINDOWS.
BACKPACKS
Your children should bring a roomy backpack to school every day to transport notices, papers, lunch and snack. Please label all of your childrenís belongings in case they get misplaced.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays are special occasions for all of us. Mason Rice has a no food policy regarding birthdays. If you would like to come in and do a read aloud for your childs bday, just let me know. Anoyher option would be to send in a special book for me to share with the class.
HOMEWORK
Although there is no regular homework in first grade, please spend time reading with your children every evening. As their reading skills develop, invite your child to read along with you. Later in the year, I will be sending home tips on practicing reading at home with your children. Occasionally your children will bring home simple math, science, or social studies assignments to complete for school.
LUNCH/SNACK
Your children should bring in a healthy snack every day and a healthy lunch on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. There will be plenty of time for them to eat their snacks. Our lunch period is from 12:25 until 1:05 and includes recess. Children eat their lunches in the Center and are supervised by lunch attendants. We have several children with food allergies in the room. Please be sure not to send in items containing peanuts or any other tree nuts. Thank you for your cooperation with this important rule. Please pack extra paper towels or napkins for the children to use as place mats. Please do not send in any soda, candy, or glass.
I have a severe seafood allergy. If you could refrain from sending your child with seafood, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
OPEN HOUSE
I look forward to seeing everyone for our annual Open House. on Tuesday Septmeber 21st. Time to be announced. I will be speaking with you about the first grade program and answering your questions.
PARENT/CHILD QUESTIONNAIRES
Iíll be sending home questionnaires for you to fill out so that I can find out as much as possible about your child, your family, and your school goals for your child. Please take some time to fill it out and add any pertinent information. Iíll also send home a questionnaire for your child to answer. I look forward to reading your responses.
SPECIALISTS SCHEDULES
Monday P.E
Tuesday Art and Library
Wednesday
Thursday Music
Friday Physical P.E
Your child should wear sneakers to school on PE days
TAKE HOME FOLDERS
Your child will be bringing home a two pocket folder, supplied by you every day for notices, papers, etc. Please work with your child to establish a daily routine for checking the folder and keeping it in the backpack so that it comes back to school every morning.
VOLUNTEERS
I will send out signup sheeets aghead of time for any volunteers needed.
I am looking forward to an exciting year!
Sincerely,
Adele Haratsis.
Haratsisa@newton.k12.ma.us