Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to our First Grade classroom! I am delighted to be part of the St. Mary community and I look forward to working with you and your child throughout this academic year.
My Classroom Philosophy
I believe that every child has the ability to learn and succeed in this classroom. It is my intention to provide a safe and positive learning environment for your children. My hope is that this classroom experience will prepare each student for future success, both personal and academic.
Unity
By Ray A. Lingenfelter
I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there,
The clay they used was
A young child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher
The tools she used were
Books and music and art,
One was a parent
With a guiding hand and
gentle loving heart.
And when at last their work was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had worked into the child
Could never be sold or bought!
And each agreed she would have failed
if she had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher stood the home!
Important information to remember:
Daily Folders
Each student will be given a folder that will go home daily and will be expected back daily. These folders will carry homework in addition to any correspondence between the classroom and home. Please be sure to check for these folders at the end of each school day.
Our Turtle!
Each day a child will be picked to be student of the day. The person of the day leads calendar activities, stands first in line and is an overall "helper" for the day. In addition, this student will be taking home our plush turtle (to be named by the students) along with a journal in a bag. Inside the cover of this journal will be directions for you and your child to refer to when it is your turn to add an entry. In short, your child is to write an entry about their evening with our turtle. The next day our turtle is to come back with the journal and bag for our next student of the day to enjoy.
Absences
Please refer to the St. Mary Parent/Student Handbook to view rules and regulations regarding this topic. If your child is absent please send a note back to school. If your child had a doctor’s appointment they must have a note from the doctor in order for the absence to be excused.
Tardiness
Please refer to the St. Mary Parent/Student Handbook to view rules and regulations regarding this topic.
Clothing
Remember to put your child’s name on all items worn or brought to school.
Field Trips
Selected field trips are planned throughout the year to enrich our curriculum. You will be notified of dates and how you can assist. Please send a bag lunch on field trips that are during lunchtime or if they last all day. Remember to cancel hot lunches as well. Uniforms will be worn on most field trips. Buses are used unless we walk locally.
Money
All money sent to school must be sent in an envelope with your child’s name on it.
Lunches
Please put all late lunches/homework on the table near the office. Please do not bring them to the classroom.
Birthdays
I know how special a birthday can be, especially for these first graders! In addition to classroom recognition, you may (with prior notification to me) bring in a treat for the class.
Another option to recognize your child’s birthday is to donate a favorite book (new or gently used) to the classroom library. Your child’s picture and name will be placed on the inside cover upon bringing it to class. This is a nice way for future classes to look back on former students.
**Those of you who have children with summer birthdays please contact me for an alternate day to celebrate.
Classroom Boundaries
Be a positive person
Be respectful
Be safe
Be your best
Be a good friend
Be a good listener
