WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE!
The teachers for this grade level are
Mrs. Heather Clevenger: I am a resident of Polo along with my husband and four children. I am a former graduate of Polo High School. I aquired my teaching degree from Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, MO. This is my ninth year teaching first grade here at Polo. I am really looking forward to getting to know each of you! I welcome you to contact me with any questions and concerns you might have through out the year.
How to Contact Me
At School: (660) 354-2200 ext. 116
By Email:
Mrs. Sherrie Silvey: I & my husband reside in the neighboring community of Lawson. We have 2 grown married children and 6 grandchildren. I have 31 years experience in education, working with preschool age through 2nd grade. I am a firm believer in strong relationships between the school and home and I welcome and encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns.
How to Contact Me
At School: (660) 354-2200 ext. 117
By Email:
District Focus
One Panther Vision. We want all of our students to be focused and proficient. We expect our students to do their best at all times.
Schedule
Our daily routine will generally be similar to the following schedule.
8:10-8:15 unpack
8:15-8:40 Bellwork
8:40-9:00 Calendar
9:00-10:30 Reading / Language Arts
10:30- 11:00 Daily 5
11:00-11:25 lunch
11:30-11:50 recess
11:50 -12:00 bathroom break
12:00-12:50 Math
12:50-1:35 Specials
1:40–2:00 recess
2:00-2:15 Planners
2:15-2:45 Environment
2:45-3:00 Small Group Work
3:00 1st grade dismissal
Special Classes
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / FridayClevenger / Library (12:50-1:35) / Keyboarding (9:58-10:43)
*P.E. (12:50-1:35) / Music (12:00-12:46) / Art (12:50-1:35) / Library (1:39-2:24)
Silvey / Art (12:50-1:35) / Library (1:39-2:24) / Music (12:50-1:35) / Keyboarding (9:58-10:43)
Library (12:S0-1:35) / *P.E. (12:50-1:35)
*Your child needs to WEAR their tennis shoes on the day of P.E.
Curriculum
This year your child will be learning in the following areas:
Reading, Math, Language, Library, Spelling, Science, Health, Social Studies, Writing, P.E., Art, Music. However, our main emphasis in first grade will be on reading, writing, and math.
CCSS
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is an effort designed to improve educational outcomes for students by developing a set of common, voluntary, internationally-benchmarked academic standards in mathematics and English language arts. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are rigorous and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. The standards clearly communicate what is expected of students at each grade level allowing our teachers to be better equipped to know exactly what they need to help students learn.
Polo R-VII School District is beginning to implement the CCSS in the educational process. For the 2012-2013 school year, the CCSS will be the foundation for the English Language Arts curriculum in grades K-6. Teachers and students will utilize a new reading curriculum aligned to these standards. The English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum will address reading, both fictional and information texts, writing, speaking/listening, and language skills.
In preparation for full transition to the Mathematics CCSS during the 2013-2014 school year, the K-3 Saxon Math series is already aligned to these standards. Grades 4-6 Mathematics CCSS will be added next year.
The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) released guides on the Common Core State Standards for parents. These guides aim to empower parents to work with school leaders to ensure the standards are implemented effectively. Enclosed is The Parent’s Guide to Success, a guide sponsored by the National PTA to provide an overview of what your child will learn by the end of their specific grade level.
With students, parents and teachers all on the same page and working together for shared goals, we can ensure that students make progress each year and graduate from school prepared to succeed in college and in a modern workforce.
http://www.corestandards.org
http://pta.org
Visiting
Parents are welcome to visit the classroom or come eat lunch with your student. However, you must check in at the office and get a visitor’s pass prior to coming to the class. This policy is to ensure the safety of all the children.
Planners
Your child will have a student planner that he/she will bring home every day. This is where your child will write their weekly spelling words, homework assignments, and other important messages. We also like to use the planner as a tool of communication between us. You may send notes to school via the planner. We will require my students to bring back their planners initialed by you every day to make sure that you have seen any important information. The first planner will be provided by the school district. Replacements may be purchased for $5.00 each.
First Thing in the Morning…
When your child arrives at school, he/she should go to the multi-purpose room, unless they are eating breakfast. Breakfast is available in the cafeteria from 7:45-8:15. The students in the multi-purpose room are picked up by 8:15. The students will have until 8:20 to get unpacked and supplies ready for the day. The bell will ring at 8:20. Anyone arriving after the bell will be counted tardy and must check in at the office before coming to class. Please have your child at school in time to get unpacked and ready.
Breakfast and Lunch
I can collect breakfast/lunch money and forward it to the office. Anytime you send money, please put it in an envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name and purpose of the money.
Absence
If your child is absent, and will be out more than two days, we would appreciate hearing from you. We will send as much of the missed work home as possible. Your child will have two days to complete and return missed assignments. Special arrangements can be made if more time is needed due to longer absences.
Homework
In first grade, your student will generally have homework Monday-Thursday. (We will try to make Fridays homework-free.) Usually it will be either reading or math or some of both. Homework should take about 30 minutes and will require your assistance. If it is taking a much longer time for your child to complete his/her homework, please let us know. Homework is due back the following day. Late work will not be accepted passed the end of the quarter in which it was assigned.
No Names
Students are expected to write their names on all of their work. They will be given frequent reminders of this responsibility. By second quarter they may still receive reminders but failure to write their name on their paper will result in the loss of a point off their assignment.
Folders
We strive to have all homework graded and returned quickly. They will come home each day in a folder along with the planner. Please remove all papers and return the folder the following day.
Recess
We will be going outside as much as possible, weather permitting. If your child is restricted from physical activity due to illness, please send a note. Please have your child dressed for the weather. (Hat/scarf, gloves, and coat that zips or buttons for cold days.) Please see the K-4 Handbook for our outdoor recess policy.
Birthdays
We will recognize each child’s birthday during the school year. You are welcome to send or bring in store bought treats for the whole class. Please let me know at least a day in advance. I will set aside a few minutes at the end of the day for this. All birthdays will be recognized unless you request otherwise.
Book Orders
Book orders will be sent home with your child on a monthly basis. If you would like to order books, please return order form and check in a sealed envelope labeled “Book Order” and with your child’s name on it. Please make checks out to Scholastic Book Club.
Going Home
If your child is leaving school with someone other than usual, please let us know or call the elementary office before 2:00pm. If they need to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop, you will need to send a note so that they may be issued a bus pass. If the change is last minute, please call the elementary office as soon as possible.
Field Trips
There will be information sent to you later in the year regarding any field trips.
Book Reports and Outside Reading
Each student will be required to read a minimum of 10 books per month at home. They will be responsible to complete and return a book list of the books to receive credit. Book reports will count toward your child’s reading grade and towards the Reading Circle Certificate. Your involvement in your child’s education is vital to their success. You can promote your child’s achievement in reading by:
1. Encourage- Use positive language that will encourage them. They need to know that even when they are struggling, you believe in them.
2. Read to them- Children learn by example. Just by listening to a more advanced reader will further their reading skills. In the beginning you may have to do a majority of the reading for them anyway. As the year progresses, they will be able to read to you.
3. Question- To be a fluent reader your child will need to be able to understand the meaning of what was read. Asking them questions, and having them make predictions about what will happen next, will help them think about what they are reading.
4. Interests- It is important that your child be allowed to read material that is interesting to them. Taking your child to the library and allowing them to pick out books will encourage this.
Classroom Rules
We will be spending a considerable amount of time in class discussing expectations and appropriate behavior. Together, the students and teacher, will write a Classroom Constitution which they will be expected to sign and follow. A copy of this constitution will be sent home at a later date.
Polo R-VII Elementary School Expectations
1. Be respectful
2. Be responsible
3. Be cooperative
4. Be kind
5. Turn in required number of book reports
6. Gum and candy is not allowed in hallways, lunchroom, or Multi-purpose room
Line Basics
These are some basic guidelines we follow in the hall to show others respect.
· Face forward with your arms at your side or hands “locked”
· Walking strait on the green line
· Body under control
· No talking
· No gaps
Discipline Policy/Rewards
Each classroom follows the district / building behavior management plan found in the Elementary Student Handbook using various student accountability methods.
Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook. Please keep it for your future reference.
Please sign and return this page indicating that you have read the information given in this handbook.
X______(parent/guardian)
______(date)
______(student’s name)
How would you prefer being contacted by me?
______Email (Write here______)
______Phone (Number ______)
______Letter Home
______Personal Conference
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