Welcome to First Grade

1. Welcome to First Grade Mrs. Blease’s Class Morris Brandon Primary 2013-2014

2. Communication • Handwritten notes and email are the best ways to reach me. bleasem@atlanta.k12.ga.us or margaret.blease@gmail.com • If you prefer, you can send in a note with your child. Please let them know that there is a note in their folder for me. Students are directed to place all notes in the “note bucket” or in my hand when they first enter the room.

3. Discipline • To keep our class happy and safe, we need to follow our school and classroom essential agreements. As a class, we composed our essential agreements for a safe and productive learning environment. • Our behavior management system has four colors. Each child has a Bee that can be moved to the different colors. • Students will begin each day on GREEN. Typically, a warning is given before a child is asked to change colors. I will try to always write why their color was changed. • If a child ends the day on RED, they will fill out a reflection sheet explaining the events that took place. • By having the student physically move their Bee, I am asking that student to acknowledge inappropriate behavior and take responsibility for it. • You can also monitor your child’s behavior progress by initialing their behavior calendar each night.  

4. Our Essential Agreements • Be Safe (and help others be safe) 2. Learn (and help others learn) 3. Have Fun (and help others have fun)

5. Homework • Students will receive a homework contract at the beginning of each week. • Homework contracts will explain homework for the week. You can expect Reading Practice, Phonics, Math, and/or Grammar each week. • It is the responsibility of the student to return all homework and the contract Friday morning in their homework folders. • Parents are responsible for initialing homework contracts each night. • If you notice that homework is taking longer than normal, or have any questions, please send me an e-mail so that I can address any issues.

6. Snack • We will have snack every day at 9:10. • Please send your child to school with a healthy snack each day. (fruit, cheese, crackers, granola bars, etc.) • Please avoid or limit sending nut products.

7. Birthdays • We will celebrate each child’s birthday by announcing their name during the morning announcements, enjoying a small “dance party” in the classroom during snack time, and by singing the Happy Birthday song. • Parents are welcome to (but not required to) send in, a non-food treat for the class on their child’s birthday, such as pencils, stickers, and other goody bag items. • Parents are also welcome to celebrate with us by joining their child for lunch.

8. Changes of Transportation • If your child is going home a different way, please complete the change of transportation form (or send in a signed note) indicating how your child will be going home that day. Changes of transportation MUST BE IN WRITING. E-mails do not count (I may not get it in time). • Also, students are not allowed to have friends come home with them on the bus (unless they ride the same bus). • If you are planning a play date, please make arrangements to pick up the children from school, or schedule it after school. • Also, it is helpful to discuss with your child how he or she is going home each morning before school. This can help prevent confusion and panic during dismissal. Thank you!

9. Grading • A 90-100 • B 80-89 • C 70-79 • F 69 and Below • Grades are composed of tests, quizzes, homework, class work and projects. • Graded papers will typically go home twice a month in your child’s folder.

10. Book Reports • Students will have assigned book reports or projects to complete. • Book reports will be due on the indicated due date. • September 30th • November 18th • February 10th • April 21st • Reports must be made from an approved book that students can read by themselves.

11. Field Trips • High Touch High Tech – Magnets (10/24, 10/25, and 10/28) – Me and My Shadow (9/27 and 9/30) – Sounds Like Fun (9/5 and 9/6) – Weather or Not (2/6, 2/7, and 2/10) • 3 Theater Works Performances at the Ferst Center • Teacher from the Black Lagoon (11/11) • Henry and Mudge (2/24) • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (4/28) • Chattahoochee Nature Center (May 22nd or 23rd) • Aquarium (Late March/Early April)

12. Field Trips • The total cost of field trips for the year is $90. • You can choose to either send in one check at the beginning of the year, or pay one installment of $45 now, and the second installment of $45 in January. • Because of insurance concerns, siblings cannot accompany their bother or sister.

13. Treasures Reading Series • Houghton Mifflin Reading is a fully integrated reading and language arts program for grades Kindergarten through 6. • It’s based on a solid foundation of scientific research, with systematic instruction in reading, writing, grammar, and spelling and a variety of resources to ensure success for all students. • This new integrated reading/language arts program features explicit skill lessons for core instruction organized in a clear instructional pathway with differentiated, scaffolded instructional opportunities to meet individual needs. • Instruction is supported by outstanding award-winning literature and decodable text that provides a balance of fiction and non-fiction reading opportunities. • The program is linked to a comprehensive assessment system, built-in staff development, and integrated technology.

14. Math • We are following the state of Georgia’s Common Core frameworks. • You can visit https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Pages/Math-K-5.aspx for more information on the standards.

15. What is the Primary Years Programme? The IB Primary Years Programme, for students aged 3 to 12, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The written curriculum The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme is the six transdisciplinary themes. These themes are about issues that have meaning for, and are important to, all of us. The programme offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas, and learning beyond them. The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to "step up" beyond the confines of learning within subject areas. Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How the world works How we organize ourselves Sharing the planet IBInternational Baccalaureate We incorporate Six Units of Inquiry in our everyday curriculum: • Smart Start (an introduction to Essential Agreements, the Learner Profile, and healthy habits) • Let’s Get Physical (Light, Sound, Magnets, and Weather) • On Top of the World (Geography and Landforms) • Individuals with Attitudes (Influential People) • Money Makes the World Go ‘Round (Economics) • Clean, Green Living Machine (Animals, plants, and caring for the Earth)

16. Parent Volunteer Opportunities • Parent Readers • Fun Fridays • Fieldtrip Chaperones • Junior Achievement

17. Final Reminders • Students should dress “PE appropriate” on Tuesdays and Fridays. • Please call the school if you need to reach me during the school day. I usually only check my email right before and right after school. • Check out our classroom website to find out the daily schedule, what we are learning, and helpful links. • We are always accepting donations of books that have been “out grown” but are in good condition.

18. Thank you! Any questions?