Phone: 925-779-7495
Welcome to a brand-new school year! I am very excited to have your child in my class. Cooperation between child, teacher, and parent/guardian will enhance our learning experiences this year. Your involvement and support are very much appreciated.
Regular attendance is crucial to your child's success. First graders are learning so many new skills in math and reading - practically on a daily basis. I'm sure you do not want your child to miss out. School hours are Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri., 8:00 a.m.-2:20 p.m. Weds. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
For dismissal, I walk the entire class to the front, and we stand on bear paw #1 under the tree. If your child sees you, they need to tell me and show me where you are. I will then wave to you and say "good-bye" to your child. Then he/she may walk to you. Please make sure he/she does not just run off. This will ensure that your student gets to you safely.
Every student needs a backpack to carry papers home every day. I will provide the students with a homework folder. This folder is to go back and forth between school and home every day. Check them daily. Also remove any papers that are on the "Keep at Home" side of the folder.
To start, the only homework will be to read every day for 15 minutes. Regular homework will start after Back-to-School Night when I can provide you with more information. Back-to-School Night will be on Aug. 19th and will be held on-line.
Please make sure your child's name is on his/her lunchbox and/or jacket. PLEASE LEAVE ALL OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS AT HOME. The school provides pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, rulers, etc. Toys should stay at home to prevent loss.
In addition to the regular curriculum, I believe the daily use of "Second Step" skills in the classroom and playground help foster a positive learning environment. It also builds a sense of community within our classroom. I will send home more information on the Second Step program later. These skills also benefit home life. Students are expected to be good listeners and follow our school rules: be kind, be honest, and be responsible. I believe that children actively choose to follow the rules or face the logical consequences of their actions. Along with this I use individual, small group, and whole class positive reinforcement. This is going to be a rewarding year!
Your child may bring a healthy snack every day. For the first week, I will provide something for the students. (Please let me know if your child has a food allergy.) As part of our healthy eating program, we will not be celebrating individual birthdays in class with cookies, pizza, cupcakes, etc. Your child will be recognized on his/her birthday with a special table decoration and a balloon. We will have ONE BIG BIRTHDAY party for EVERYONE at the end of the year in JUNE. I will bring the cupcakes!
Please send your child to school every day with a properly fitting mask. Everyone on campus is required to wear a mask while indoors at school. They will have the option to remove the mask at recess when outdoors. Students' desks have Plexiglass partitions, and we will have hand sanitizer available as well as sinks for washing hands.
Special classes each week will be: Music on Thursdays, i-Ready/Computers on Tuesdays, P.E. on Mondays and Fridays. (Please make sure your child wears proper shoes for P.E.)