Vol. 5 Issue 21

Our Final Issue of the Year

It has been my pleasure and privilege to watch and teach this special group of students this year. It is my hope that they keep what they’ve learned to use in life, second grade, and beyond. We’ve laughed, played, studied, learned, and enriched our lives together. Remember that I will continue to have a vested interest in your children and as they continue to learn and grow, wherever they go. Thanks so much for allowing me to teach your little ones. Thanks for your continued support, well wishes, and generosity this year. Have a wonderful summer! 

 

Vol. 5 Issue 20

Spring Portfolio Parties

We are excited to announce that we will be having spring portfolio parties! This format is similar to the student-led parent/teacher conferences that have been held in the past. During each 30-minute time block, each student (5 students per day) will meet with their parents to showcase their progress in first grade. With assistance from the teacher, the children will be responsible for choosing the items that are being shared during the portfolio party. We know you will be proud as you listen to your child while he/she shares information about the First Grade Year. Please come prepared with 2 or 3 thoughtful questions to ask your child. The children will look forward to answering your questions. I will act as a facilitator and circulate (float) between the each group. Report cards will be sent home separately and will not be a part of the discussion.  Click here to select a slot.  

PLEASE NOTE: These are student-led conferences. I will be there to chime-in occasionally, but not to meet formally with each family. If you have any questions about gifted testing (including placement, guidelines or entrance criteria) I encourage you to make an appointment the SRS Gifted Team here. There are several March conference dates still available.

Mark Your Calendars
 
 Friday, March 11
Class Picture Day
Wednesday, March 16
Book Fair Preview Day
Friday, March 18
 Teacher Professional Learning Day (No School)
Wednesday, March 23
Book Fair Purchase Day 

Vol. 5 Issue 19

Starstruck

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to bid on an amazing outing at Art & Soul Studio, while raising money for our school. Teacher Outings, one of the most popular and fun activities of the school year is back! First grade teachers have once again generously donated their time and resources to create an amazing experience for two lucky students in each homeroom. 100% of the funds raised go to the Sarah Smith Education Foundation. The Sarah Smith Education Foundation (SSEF) supports the quality of education at Sarah Smith through strategic investments in curriculum and instructional programs that directly enhance the school's mission of academic excellence for all Sarah Smith students. 65% of the schools' total curriculum budget is funded by the Foundation.

For more information about this FUNtastic outing, click the BID HERE link. Look for items #617 and #618. Bids start at $25. 

Fun Photos

Lola's Birthday

Captured during the Hero's Parade

 

Vol. 5 Issue 18

New Spelling Test Grading

  Now that students are well into the second semester, the first grade team has agreed to evolve our grading system for spelling assessments. Now students are expected to write two sentences and each sentence part will hold the same weight as the green and red words. Everything counts. No more bonuses. Students have been preparing for this since August (daily drills increasing in rigor over time). This change will go in effect for the test given on Friday, February 5th. For this Friday's test, we will use the current grading system for the last time.  Please view the sample below to see how the changes will be implemented.

 

Make note of the sentence grading changes. This is a sample. The number  of words in a given sentence will change from week to week

Vol. 5 Issue 17

Vol. 5 Issue 16

Check Presentation
Ronald McDonald House

Thanks to all for helping to make our first grade  annual community outreach project a huge success! We raised $3,385.40 for the Ronald McDonald House of Buckhead!

On Thursday, January 21st, 2016 we will be celebrating the 100^th Day of School.  Throughout the day we will have some exciting activities to celebrate.  In order to get the children in the spirit for the 100^th day, we would love for you to decorate a shirt with your child at home.  You may want to use 100 items (bows, buttons, pins, pom poms, fun foam shapes, stickers) or you could decorate the shirt using fabric paint or Sharpies.  We encourage you to use your creativity and have fun!  Please have your child wear his or her decorated shirt on January 21st.  We are all looking forward to this fun-filled day!

Mark your Calendars


Monday, January 18th
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 
NO SCHOOL

Thursday (evening), January 21st
 Read-A-Thon Begins

Please do not enter any titles in your RAT log before Thursday evening.
Friday, January 22nd
Read All Day Pajama Day at the PC 
A Read-A-Thon Event


Useful Links

Class Calendars 
Homework