Ms. Linahan’s First Grade Class

1. Ms. Linahan’s First Grade Class Welcome, Parents!

2. Welcome to First Grade! • Please be sure to sign up for a class party or homeroom parent after the presentation if you are interested! • If you have any questions during my presentation, please don’t hesitate to ask.

3. Homework Weekly Homework will be posted on the school’s web site: www.mmredeemer.org. Click on the homework icon. • Spelling: • Write the date and spelling unit number at the top of each page. • Math: • Either a worksheet or workbook page will be assigned. Worksheets will be in the homework folder. Workbook pages will be circled in red. Please be sure to check the assigned numbers. There may be times when only even or odd numbers are assigned.

4. Religion Homework • Religion Study Facts • Facts for each chapter are provided for your child and are included in your child’s daily homework. The religion facts are a way to review what is being taught and is another way for you to know what your child is learning in class. They do not have to be memorized. You can find the religion fact sheet on my website.

5. Reading Vocabulary • When you help your child with their reading words, you will need to spend some time each night with your child. A reading vocabulary word list for each story is posted on my website. Vocabulary flash cards will stay home. Please don’t send them into school.

6. Vacation Policy for Homework • Homework and/or class assignments will not be given prior to the start of the vacation. • No work will be given so that it may be done during the time of the vacation. • Upon return, all missed work and assignments will be given to the student. • All completed work must be signed by a parent/guardian.

7. Important Websites • Think Central • www.thinkcentral.com • Go Math • www.harcourtschool.com/menus/math2004

8. Related Websites • First in Math.com • SpellingCity.com • Starfall.com

9. Writer’s Notebook Project • Title: • Feel free to write it in marker, bubble letters, use stickers, magazine clippings, or even type it on the computer using Word Art. • Decorating: • Stickers, hand drawings, and/or pictures clipped from magazines or obtained online may be used. • Family photographs • Feel free to be creative. Notebooks are due back to school on Monday, September 23th.

10. Star Student • Each child will be chosen to be a Star Student. When it is your child’s turn they can bring in anything that is important to them. • I will provide you with a poster you can work on with your child. Send it into school as soon as you have competed it. • I will advise you when your child’s turn has come up. You may have them bring some favorite items to tell about. • Pictures, trophies, a favorite movie, a favorite book, a favorite CD, etc. would be fine. • All items should be brought in on Monday and taken home by Friday.

11. Guest Readers • Guest Reader: • If it is possible and you are available it would be great to have a parent or family member come in and read their favorite book to the class. • You may bring in a treat for the whole class. Please see the form on the Guest Reader page of the website and fill it out and send it in with your child or email me a copy of the form • All papers are due by Thursday, 9/26. After reviewing your availability to be a guest reader I’ll will send home a confirmation sheet in your child’s folder.

12. Communication • First grade announcements, and updates will be posted on my website as needed. Please check the website daily for any updates, announcements, or reminders. • Please feel free to communicate any important information or concerns you may have about your child to me. • Formal conferences are scheduled in November. • You may send me an email or write me a note if you’d like to speak with me before then. Phone conferences or after school meetings can be arranged if needed.

13. Communication • Daily Folder: • This folder will go home every night and should come back every morning. It should be emptied out every night. Any forms or paperwork that need to be transferred from school to home or vice versa should be placed in this folder. • Please contact me with any concerns or important information. • Phone number is: 215-412-7101 x 104. • Email address is: dlinahan@mmredeemer.org. • Phone conferences or after school meetings can be scheduled if needed.

14. Progress Reports • The purpose of the First Grade Progress Report is to communicate student progress to parents and students alike. This report documents student performance as evidenced throughout each trimester. Learning is measured against the Common Core State Standards which have been adopted by Mary, Mother of the Redeemer School in accordance with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

15. Progress Reports • Your child’s progress report needs to be signed and returned to school after the first and second trimester. You may keep the progress report at the end of the year. • Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic School • Grade 1 Progress Report: Trimester 1 • Student: First Grader • Teacher: Miss Linahan • School Year 2012-2013

16. Non-Academic Skills • The following skills are also considered on a daily basis: • organization • self discipline • sharing • following rules • taking responsibility for their actions

17. T Test Folder • I will send home your child’s tests and assessments in a test folder as necessary. • Please sign every test and performance assessment in the test folder. Test folders (with the original tests) need to be returned to school with your child as soon as possible.

18. Miscellaneous • Snack Time: • Snack time takes place around 2:50 p.m. No candy is allowed during snack time. Drinks are permitted. • Absent: • A note explaining why your child was absent is required the day they come back to school. • Missed work should be completed. • At the first grade level, if absent for only a day or two I will work with your child to catch him/her up. After three days of being absent I will begin to send work home.

19. First Grade Field Trip • Field Trips: • We will take 1 field trip in the Spring. • Information will be sent home in advance prior to taking our trip. • Chaperones must have both clearances on file in the office. • Criminal Record Check • Child Abuse Clearance. • Completion of the Safe Environment class.

20. Birthdays • Birthdays are celebrated right in the classroom. • Please check labels on treats to be sure they are peanut free. • Treats may be sent into school with your child or dropped off at the table by the office. • Treats that are sent in must be finger foods. For example, munchkins, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, etc. Nothing that needs to be frozen, refrigerated, or cut can be brought in to school. • Invitations to birthday parties may not be distributed in school unless all the girls/boys are invited. The class will celebrate all summer birthdays on a selected day in June. • Birthday cards from the office will serve as a ticket for a free snack in the lunch room. Your child must present the card at the time of purchase in order for it to be redeemable.

21. Holiday Parties • Our homeroom mother will contact parents for supplies and treats for holiday parties. We will have a Halloween, Christmas, St. Valentine's Day and End of the Year Party. You may sign up to attend only 1 party per school year. • Only 2parents may attend any one party at a time. I have been advised by the administration that siblings may not attend these parties. I appreciate your understanding and support. It is with the thought that the parent volunteers can better help the children in the classroom without any other distractions.

22. I’m looking forward to working with you and your child this year. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.Let’s Have a Great Year!