Back to School Afternoon 2015-2016

Mrs. Huffman1st Grade

About Mrs. Huffman

• 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

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 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday.)

• Library (30 minutes)--Weekly• Guidance (40 minutes)—Twice monthly• SEARCH (50 minutes)—Twice monthly• Computer Lab (30 minutes)-- Weekly

Homework

• Beginning first week in October• Weekly reading log – Read for 10-15 minutes each evening– Discuss prompts– Find and discuss weekly word study

features

• Reinforces concepts learned during the school day.

I-Ready,Reflex Math and RAZ-Kids

• Requires internet access to use at home

• User Names and Passwords for each program will be sent home with students

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

Classroom Citizenship

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

• Goal is to encourage students to manage their own behavior and make great choices

• Logical consequences• Behavior Reflection• Way to Go Wall

Behavior Communication

• Behavior concerns will be communicated on an as-needed basis

• If behavior is exceedingly unsafe or disrespectful, students will be referred to the office and parents will receive a phone call during or after school

• Way to Go notes

Incentives

• Way to Go Wall (Positive notes)• Verbal praise/Positive reinforcement • Mystery Student• Warm Fuzzy Jar

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 in the afternoon•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

Star StudentBegins mid-September• Star Student will bring in poster and

mystery show and tell Field Trip• Morven Park in November

Volunteer Opportunities

•(1-2) Thursday Volunteers (weekly)•(4) Literacy Center Volunteers (daily)•(1) Word Study Volunteer (Friday)•Room Parents•Volunteers must complete a training session with Mrs. Dempsey before working with students!

Conferences

• Will be held on Monday, November 2nd

• First quarter progress report will be discussed during November conferences

• Please sign up for your conference TODAY

• Students will receive four Progress Reports during the school year

• Additional tool for communicating student progress

• Parents must request access to the parent portal

• Update information in the Parent Information Management System (PIMS)

New this year: Phoenix

Join the PTO!

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

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