Hello My Name Is...

Mrs. Watson

Welcome

to

First Grade

Mrs. Watson’s Class

2009-2010
Room # 30
(816) 316-8087

Dear Parent(s) and Students: 

Welcome to the first grade.  I am very excited about beginning a new school year at Truman.

Communication is an integral part of a successful year.  There are several procedures and rules that I feel are necessary for you to be aware of.  I felt this packet would become a point of reference for you to keep and refer to throughout the year.

I hope that you will always feel welcome to stop by our classroom anytime.  If it is possible to call in advance, I’m sure we could set up a time that would be best for all, but please always feel free to stop by anytime.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me at school.  You can also send a note with your child or call me at (816) 316-8087.

To ensure that we all have a pleasant and productive school year, it is necessary to communicate my expectations and procedures in the areas below.

 RULES:

In order to have a smooth running classroom, I have only a few simple rules.  They are as follows:

1.  Follow directions

2.     Stay in your seat

3.     Raise your hand to talk

4.     Complete all your work

5.     Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

6.     Avoid name calling and teasing

 BEHAVIOR PLAN:

I believe in positive reinforcement of correct behaviors. These are some of the ways in which I reward positive behaviors.

                   Verbal praise

                   Positive notes or phone calls home

                   Stickers, treats, pencils or trinkets

                   Certificates or award for good behavior

At Truman, we have a school-wide discipline plan known as the SUPER Plan.  This is a five-step process, which will apply in our classroom as well as all other areas of the school.

Daily consequences include:

                   Step 1-Redirection

             Step 2-Safe Spot in the Classroom

                   Step 3-Think Sheet

                   Step 4-Phone Call Home

                   Step 5-Sent to Principal’s Office

Severe clause:  Any severe behavior problem will be sent to the principal.

 HOMEWORK:

Homework is a very important part of my instructional program.  Homework bags will be sent home regularly. Bags will consist of hands-on learning activities. These activities are an extension of concepts and skills learned in the classroom.  Homework bags do not need to be returned.  

Spelling words for the spelling test will be given to the students every Friday.  There will be a pre-test on Monday and a final test on Friday.  Please ensure that your child studies the spelling words (some words are learned best through creating music with the words or by looking for spelling patterns).

 TESTS:

Students will be informed of all tests at least three days in advance in order to allow for ample study time.  There will be a spelling test every Friday.

PAPERS:

To ensure that you are aware of your child’s progress, all graded papers will be sent home regularly. 

BEHAVIOR REPORTS:

Behavior reports will be sent home daily.  They should be signed and returned the following day.  These reports will inform you of your student’s classroom behavior as well as any other information pertaining to your child.

READING:

Each student will be expected to read for 15 minutes, at home, each night.

Grading System
E-exceeds the standard
M-meets the standard
W-working towards the standard
N-does not meet the standard

Daily Schedule
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)
8:45  Morning Work
8:55  Reading
11:42  Lunch
12:20  Mathematics
1:20  Science/Social Studies
2:00 Specials
2:50  Recess
3:10  Read Aloud   


HINTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

1.  Always do your very best.

2.  Follow directions.  If you are unsure of the directions, ask for help.

   ***Never be afraid to ask for help.***

3.  Make sure that you write your name, the date and the subject on your

     papers.

4.  Read everyday!!!!

5.  If you are absent, be sure to make up all of your missing assignments.

6.  Always do your homework.

***  Most importantly, remember that you are responsible for your success.  Each and every one of you has the ability to be successful.  All you have to do is follow suggestion number one.  ***

In closing, I wish to emphasize that I am here to meet the needs of your child.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

 Mrs. T. Watson