Back to School Afternoon 2014-2015

Mrs. Huffman1st Grade

About Mrs. Huffman

• 1995 graduate of The University of Virginia

• Completed coursework for teacher certification at James Madison University

First Quarter Overview

Math• Number Concepts• Geometry • Calendar• Sorting and PatternsScience• What changes in Autumn• Sun & Earth

First Quarter Overview Cont.

Social Studies• Citizenship• Rules• Safety• Past, present and future

Literacy

Two diagnostic assessments during September

• DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)

• PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening)

These assessments help us choose appropriate books for Guided Reading Groups and find a starting point for reading instruction.

**We will discuss assessments during parent-teacher

conferences in October and November.**

Specials

• Art (50 minutes)—Weekly• Music (30 minutes)—2 days per week• PE (30 minutes)—3 days per week*Please have your child wear SNEAKERS

on PE days.• Library (30 minutes)--Weekly• Guidance (40 minutes)—Twice monthly• SEARCH (50 minutes)—Twice monthly• I-READY (30 minutes)-- Weekly

Homework

• Beginning September 22nd• Weekly reading log – Read for 15-20 minutes each evening– Discuss prompts– Find and discuss weekly word study

features

• Develops good working habits, time management and participation.

I-Ready

• New this year: I-Ready for math• At least one 30 minute block per

week for each student• Requires internet access to use at

home

Attendance and After-School Plans

Attendance• Please make sure that your child eats a healthy

breakfast and arrives on time each day

• Your child must have a note in the morning in order to change after-school dismissal arrangements

• If there are last minute (during the school day) changes to your child’s after-school transportation plans, please contact the office (DO NOT RELY ON E-MAIL!)

• If you plan to pick up your child early, please contact the office BEFORE 12:00 or send a note in the morning

Discipline

Every child will be expected to follow our two classroom rules: Be Kind and Be Safe

• A child who receives three reminders to follow a class rule will move his/her clip down a space

• A child who is making great choices will move his/her clip up a space

• If a child continues to disrupt the class or exhibits exceedingly unsafe or disrespectful behavior, he/she will be sent to the office

Behavior Communication

• If a student is on the orange space at the end of the school day, parents will receive an e-mail at the preferred e-mail communication address

• If behavior is exceedingly unsafe or disrespectful, parents will receive a phone call during or after school

• Please start the school year with a conversation about behavior expectations at school

Incentives

• Spectacular Choices/Superstar Student• Verbal praise/Positive reinforcement • Mystery Student• Warm Fuzzy Jar• Star Chart and Treasure Box (donations

are welcome)

Lunch• Please practice lunch numbers over the

weekend• Ice cream may be purchased on Fridays• Parents must should send a note to school with

their child if they plan to visit for lunch; please note whether or not an additional school lunch will be purchased and lunch choice

• Please check in at the office before proceeding to the cafeteria

• Lunch should be a school or packed lunch from home; no restaurant bags or boxes, please!

• Menu is in packet and includes payment information; menus are sent home monthly

• Please discuss choices and monitor account!

Parties and Birthdays

Three classroom parties• TBABirthdays• Non-edible birthday items ONLY• Donate a game or book to the

class : )

****If you are going to pass out invitations, you MUST pass them

out to everyone.****

Snacks

•Eaten mid-morning•Must be something that the child can open independently and eat in five minutes•Healthy (No candy, please!)•Non-messy snacks, please!•Students may bring water bottles filled with water; sport/spill-proof tops ONLY•NO NUTS!

Clinic Visits

• Mrs. Kreitzman is available to students in the event of illness or injury that occur during the school day

• Small cuts, runny noses, etc. will be taken care of in the classroom

• Please refer to the handbook regarding medications and protocol for returning to school following an illness

Communication

• Monthly School Newsletter• Monthly First Grade Newsletter

(online on Team Page)• Weekly Newton-Lee Envelope• Daily Purple Take Home Folder• E-mail: Juliet.Huffman@lcps.org

Special Activities

Top BananaBegins in October• Top Banana will bring in poster and

mystery show and tell Field Trip• Wayside Farms, Thursday, October

23rd

Classroom Supplies

The first grade team is requesting a few additional supplies

• 1 package unscented baby wipes• 1 box of ziploc bags (last name A-M

sandwich, N-Z gallon)• 1 box of tissues (unscented, no lotion)• Choose a post-it from the board

Volunteer Opportunities

•(1-2) Thursday Folder Volunteers (weekly)•(4) Literacy Center Volunteers (daily)•(1) Word Study Volunteer (Friday)•Copy Parent (Flexible schedule)•Room Parents•Volunteers must complete a training session with Mrs. Ulbrich before working with students! The first sessions will be held on September 10th and 12th at 8:00 am.

Conferences

• Will be held on Monday, November 3rd

• First quarter progress report will be discussed during November conferences

• Please sign up for your conference TODAY

CLARITY

• Students will receive four Progress Reports during the school year

• Additional tool for communicating student progress

• Look for upcoming information sessions with Mr. Lyons

Join the PTO!

• Look for information in your packet and be sure to join PTO

• PTO directory is the only way to get contact information for playdates and birthday parties!