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What is the best way to contact you?
There are several ways to contact me during the school day. The first is
email, which I do check many times throughout the day. You can email me
through the classroom website, or the Amy Belle website. You can also call
the office, if I am not with students, they will pass your call down to the
classroom. Our school phone number is 253-3470. I am in the school building
from 8:30-4:00. If the issue is not urgent, you can always write me a good,
old-fashioned note. I do check assignment notebooks daily so this is an
excellent place for us to correspond.
Why do first graders have assignment notebooks?
We have assignment notebooks to help your child to begin to develop
responsibilty for their belongings and their learning. We will write our
homework assignments here and any important information that your child
needs to remember. Assignment notebooks should be checked by you and signed
nightly. (They will not come home on Fridays!) I check them daily and give
each child who has their notebook signed a sticker. If you need to jot me a
quick note, this is an excellent place to do so. I may also do the same.
Why does my child have a color written in their assignment notebook?
We have a behavior chart in our classroom. It is in the shape of a race
track. Each child begins the day on the "Black Track." If they are given a
warning for poor behavior, they move their car into the "Pink Pits". If
poor behavior continues, they will move to the "Green Garage" and will miss
some recess time. I feel it's important for you and I to be in constant
communication regarding all aspects of your child's education, including
their daily behavior. I also feel it's important for your child to discuss
with you issues they may be having in the classroom, that's why I have them
write black, pink or green in their notebooks.
How will I know when my child is Student of the Week
We have a Star of the Week each week in our classroom beginning in October.
I will send a packet of information home on Wednesday or Thursday of the
week prior to your child's special week. The packet will contain a letter
explaining what being the Star of the Week means in our classroom.
Is there a snack time in the morning?
We have snack after our morning recess each morning.
I ask for each child to provide their own snack each day. I ask for each
child to bring ONE healthy snack to eat. They may have their water bottle
during this time also.
When do I need to write a note?
Please send a note to school anytime your child is not following their
normal afternoon routine. If they are going home on the bus with another
child, getting picked up by someone, or staying for Brownies or other after
school activities. It's important for you to send me a note so I can be
sure each child is safely where they need to be at the end of each school
day.
What's the King and Queen of the Day?
To begin our school year and to help us get to know each other better, each
child has the opportunity to be the King or Queen for the Day. They will
not know in advance that they will have the honor for the day! We will ask
your child questions about themselves and then work together as a class to
write a special paragraph about them. We will also examine their name more
closely to become familiar with how to spell it correctly. Each child will
then draw a picture that will be sent home with the King/Queen. Once their
day is over, each child's name will be put on our classroom Word Wall for
the remainder of the school year.
What is the Word Wall?
The Word Wall is a place in our classroom where students can find important
words they need to spell. The words are basic sight words, easy spelling
words, and common words that students often encounter in their writing. We
begin by putting our names on the Word Wall because those are the most
important words for us to spell! It also helps heighten students' awareness
of the Word Wall so they are accustomed to using it when necessary.
Will my child have spelling tests?
Yes! Friday spelling tests will begin a few weeks into the school year. We
will be using a curriculum that I designed to help young spellers be
successful.
Can my child bring a birthday treat to school?
Of course! We love to celebrate with your child on their special day. I do
ask that you send napkins or other things that are necessary for the treat.
Thank you in advance!
When is Guided Reading?
We will have guided reading On Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning in October.
Your child will be in a small group with other readers who are reading at
their level. They will meet with a teacher to explore and read a book. They
will bring that book home with them and will read it several times for
homework. Please sign their Reading Log and return the book to school the
next day.
What is Bellefest?
Bellefest is a quarterly awards program that the entire school attends.
Students are given awards based on classroom performance and school
citizenship. Parents are always invited to attend!
What do we do with the word cards that come home?
The word cards that are sent home on Mondays are words that will be in our
story for the upcoming week. They are to be read, not spelled. These cards
can be kept home for practice throughout the week. They should not be
returned to school.
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