Hello families. This blog is full of important information regarding open house, so please stay tuned for all of that and more. First, a look at what we will be learning for the week.
Math: We will begin a kind of long unit on addition word problems, focusing both on total unknown problems and addend unknown problems. This unit will go into next week as well.
ELA: This week we will learn and practice the final piece of Daily 5, Work on Writing. This is often the trickiest for first graders, as we learn how to come up with topics to write about, and what to do when we write a word and we are not sure it is spelled correctly. We are still working on making working on all parts as a whole and building stamina. We will introduce our leveled readers from NatGeo and begin our small group work as well as begin working on sight words with individuals.
Social Studies: We are wrapping up our unit on families, although our NatGeo stories will focus on families for the next 3 weeks. Therefore we will move onto our unit on Ancient Mesopotamia. We will spend the next few weeks learning about where Ancient Mesopotamia is located, their people and contributions from that time, and how they farmed, as well as so much more.
Open House: Open House is this Wednesday from 5:30-7:00. However, the first grade session is only running until 6:30. This is how the evening will go. If you have a child in K-2 you will attend the Title 1 information fair in the gym from 5:30-6:00 with Principal Reasor. From there you will join me in our room (9) for our presentation on first grade expectations and how we will get there together. If you have a child in grades 3-5 you will go to their designated class from 6:30-7:00. If you do not have an older child you are free to leave after our session together! This is not our typical see the classroom Open House, w e did that before school during the BBQ. This is more informational for you on what first grade is all about and how we can work together to ensure your child has a successful school year. I hope to see everyone there!
Pink Emergency Form: This years Student Emergency Form is pink and will be going home tomorrow with your child. Please fill it out and return it by the end of the week in the blue agenda folder. Attached is a check list of forms that were to be filled out for registration to be complete for this year as well. If you would, please check off those you have completed online in person on paper and return that to me at the same time as well. Thank You!
Grading Marks: You may have noticed marks on papers that go home. If it is a test it will have a number from 1-4, which aligns with a standards report. 1 means your student is struggling with understanding the concept/standard taught . 2 means they understand with a bit of support, and are progressing. 3 means they are proficient in their understanding. A 3 is where we want every first grader to be in all areas. A 4 is exemplary, they have a high level of understanding of the concept taught. I have made a symbol system for papers that are not tests (such as morning work and math practice packets) that match this so that you can see at a glance how your child is doing with in class work. This look like...
1 = a minus sign
2 = a check mark
3 = a smiley face
4 = a star
It is important to note that I have never and will never discuss what these marks are with the students, they think they are random and are just happy to get a mark on their paper. They think it is their for me to keep track of completion, which is half true. I do this so not to cause any frustration for those who are receiving a 1 or 2. When they have a 1 or 2 I work with them to achieve a level of understanding, these marks are simply to let you know where there level of understanding was overall. If you have any questions about the scoring feel free to contact me.
Homework: Please start developing good homework habits with your children now. Develop a routine of when they do homework and where they do homework. I know it is a new concept for our firsties, but it is important that they learn this new part of school life. I know it is not always easy, but I would like to make sure that ALL students complete their entire homework packet by the end of the week. If the Friday deadline is too hard for your family, please come talk to me and we can work something out. At the same time, this is only first grade. Homework should not take over your lives! I do not want children (and parents) frustrated on any given night. If your child is not feeling it and it is turning into a struggle on a night, write me a note and explain it wasn't happening on that particular evening. I want happy homes and snuggles and no tears. Homework does not need to equal frustration! We can work together to help our little ones find that balance of this new expectation, but hopefully not make it a source of frustration. If you ever need to communicate homework concerns or questions, pop in, email, or write a note in the agenda. Thank you.
Birthday Treats and Snacks: I want to remind parents that we want to be mindful of what we send in for snacks and for birthday treats. Per FUSD policy, these need to be healthy. FUSD has really made strides in making sure our students are eating healthier and have put in place guidelines that limit their intake of sugar. We are asking your help in this endeavor. If you choose to bring in a snack or a birthday treat, please make it healthy. Please read the attached note, I believe from Principal Reasor in regards to this matter.
Healthy Classroom Parties
Dear Families,
When you contribute snacks for a classroom celebration, please provide healthful, nutritious choices for the students to enjoy. Flagstaff Unified School District strives to teach healthful eating habits, both in theory and in practice. This includes during all classroom parties and events. Our goal at FUSD is to make healthy choices easily accessible to all. Thank you for helping to create a healthy school environment!
Healthy Options
Fresh, whole fruit (apples, pears, oranges, bananas, grapes)
Fruit or applesauce cups (no sugar added)
100% Fruit Juice
Bagged baby carrots or other vegetables served with hummus
Whole grain crackers or pretzels
Dried fruit mix
Brown rice cakes
Bagged, low-fat popcorn
Cheese sticks or slices
Yogurt cups
Fresh Fruit Salads
Healthy Classroom Celebrations - Teachers Resource
Flagstaff Unified School District teaches healthful eating, both in theory and practice. This healthy philosophy includes during classroom parties and events, as well as after school activities. The goal of FUSD is to make healthier choices easily accessible to all and promote healthy behaviors for life.
Many schools have chosen to celebrate birthdays once per month and without food. If food is served, healthy options are required.
This is a shift that comes easier with practice, and first grade is the time. I myself quit giving out candy in birthday bags and for rewards about 5 years ago because so many families do not want that as an option for their children. For those of your who read the beginning of year letter I sent out, one option is to donate a birthday book to the class. I will add your child's picture to the book, and have them sign it. Then we will read it to the class and add it to our library. Those who have chosen this route have loved sharing their favorite story with the class. If you would like other nonfood options, feel free to reach out. Please remember, bringing in anything is a choice, and we have many families who skip this altogether every year. This is perfectly acceptable. Every child still receives a birthday cup and we still sing to them regardless. I love celebrating them on their special day!
Stanford Harmony: Stanford Harmony is a district adopted social emotional learning program designed to foster communication, connection, and community both in and outside the classroom. We have been using the SH cards to have conversation, do buddy up activities, and learn about each other and build team work. Last week one of the activities was to make a sticker collage with a partner. The children were so happy working on the project, and below is pictures of the teams and their creations. The coolest part is how easily almost every team decided who would take their collage home. Great teamwork!
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