First Grade Newsletter

Welcome to First Grade!

During the first few weeks of first grade we will be learning our classroom rules and daily routines.  Below are some general first grade items that you need to be aware of:
 
Snack:  Each class has a designated time for snack during the day. You should send in a healthy snack on a daily basis for your child.  Suggestions include but are not limited to fruit, crackers, and yogurt.  You should avoid candy, chocolate, and drinks. *Please provide a bottle of water daily for your child.  The bottle needs to have a push top or sports cap to prevent spills and may be sent in on Mondays for the week and taken home on Fridays for washing.
Recess:  All first grade classes have recess each day. With the temperature still fairly high, please dress your children appropriately.  Layers work well for cool mornings and warm afternoons.  Sneakers are a good rule most days. The PWCS regulations prohibit the wearing of flip-flops or shoes with wheels due to safety concerns.
Schedules: The county has continued to utilize the block schedule where we teach each of the subject areas at a specified time. Our special classes, called “Encore,” will follow a five day rotation.
Lunch money:  It works best if you send in a check to be credited to you child’s lunch card account. If you choose to send cash daily with your child please remind them that it is their responsibility. Please send all money in an envelope with your child’s name on it.  You may also pay online at www.MyLunchMoney.com. 
 
 Homework: The first graders participate in a homework program first semester that         centers around word patterns. We also expect first graders to read nightly for 10-15  minutes.  First graders will be participating in the “Book It” reading program this year. 
 
Take Home Folders: Your child’s take-home folder will come home every night. Check your child’s folder daily for notes, newsletters, homework, completed class work or other important information.  This is an important communication connection between home and school.  
Curriculum Highlights: 
Language Arts: During the month of September, teachers will complete reading and PALS testing so that our guided reading groups may be formed. Once we begin guided reading,  students will begin to bring home small books to read at home. They can read them to you, a sibling, themselves, in the car, in their room, or anything else creative you can think of — make it fun! Please make sure to return these books each day.
Math: Our new math program is called Math Connects. We will continue using Math Investigations this year as well. Our first grade math curriculum will be a “blended approach”. The students will be assessed for beginning math concepts during the month of September. These concepts include counting, writing numbers, and number identification.  
Social Studies/Science:  All Prince William County Schools teach the “Code of Behavior” during the first weeks of school. In addition, first graders learn about appropriate school manners and bus safety.  We will also begin our study of seasons and the effects of change on animals and plants.
c Yearly Academic Goals:

1. Read on a first grade reading level by the end of the year.
2. Write 5 complete sentences on one topic by the end of the year.
3. Be master counters by the end of the year.

4. Know the addition and subtraction facts to 18.