Thursday, July 24, 2014

Vol. 4 Issue 1

Welcome to First Grade!
 Click here to view the 1st Grade Supply List.
Click here to RSVP for the 1st Grade Parent Orientation.

First grade is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. I am looking forward to a very exciting and productive year working with your child. I will strive each day to make learning a fun and enriching process for your child. I believe we are a team, working together, to help your child thrive academically. Our collaboration is a key component of a successful year. 

Email Addresses Needed

Please click here to send me a quick hello (email). I need to create a 2014-2015 parent group email list. I'll cut-and-paste the addresses listed in your messages. 


August Wish List
 
One site where you can find my Teacher Wish Lists for the 2014-2015 school year. Please click the button below to view our first wishlist. If you would like to make a pledge, you can create a TeacherLists.com parent account in seconds.
 Click here to veiw my wish list.  

Orton-Gillingham
This year I’ll be incorporating a methodology called Orton-Gillingham, a technique to use with our already existing curriculum. It is a multi-sensory program that will enable students, by direct instruction, to review, to learn new concepts, practice and to apply what they are learning. Orton-Gillingham is a methodology that has been utilized for over 50 years. Based on early research by Dr. Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham, it was concluded that children who experience difficulty with reading and spelling need a solid phonics approach that is multi-sensory, systematic, structured, sequential, cumulative and success-oriented. We will conduct on-going assessments to monitor what they have mastered. Most importantly, they will acquire concepts that will be stored in their long-term memories. 

Class Snacks & Allergies
Each student will bring snacks for the entire class, once every 23 days (estimate), using the group snacks model. If anyone has a food allergy, please let me know ASAP. Recently, corn (esp. popcorn - make a note - no corn - on potluck/feast days) and tree nuts (walnut, almond, hazelnut, cashew, pistachio, and Brazil nuts), peanuts, and seafood (shellfish - make a note for potluck/feast days) were reported by parents. Please do not send snacks containing corn, tree nuts, and peanuts. 
Remaining rotations will be posted on our monthly snack calendar submitted by our room parents. If you are interested in volunteering for one of our first 10 days, visit TeacherLists.com, make a pledge, and remember to bring 23 healthy snacks in the bags provided the night before (water or juice is optional). If I find out about any more allergies, I will include the updates in this post. 


No Flip Flops
 This year at Sarah Smith, flip flops are prohibited. Shoes should be laced and tied or fastened (e.g., Velcro or snaps) at all times. All footwear need to have straps or support across the heel of the foot (sandals with backs are ok). For P.E., students must have shoes that are safe and appropriate for participation (athletic shoes only). Please check the schedule (tab) to see the day’s we’re scheduled for P.E.