First GradeWhere Your Child Will Soar!
This year you will be amazed at how much your child grows. This year you will see your child become an accomplished reader and writer as they practice the strategies we learn in class. You will also see changes in your child’s thinking as he/she becomes familiar with abstract concepts and symbols. The change is amazing and I love being a part of it!
Ways to Help Your Child
Stay involved with your child’s education. Keep in mind that we build on small successes. Each child will progress at his/her own rate and acquire skills as he/she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child’s self-esteem and building a foundation for the future are my top priorities. Here are some ways you can help:
- Celebrate your child’s success, no matter how small; this will keep them enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work.
- Look for and read your child’s Weekly Newsletter. This will have important information for the week and helpful reminders.
- Read to your child, with your child, and listen to your child read to you. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for them to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom. Make sure to record their reading on the Reading Calendar.
- Check your child’s Folderevery evening. I will be sending homework out on Mondays and it will be due on Fridays. Help and remind your child to complete their work. I will also be using these folders to send home flyers with information for you.
- Stay involved by volunteering in the class and asking your child what they did that day in class.
Class Discipline
I want all of my students to be respectful and try their best. Our classroom has four rules which are:
1. Be Respectful
2. Be Involved
3. Be Safe
4. Be a Friend
Students are expected to follow these rules, which we will define the first few days of class. These rules will ensure that our classroom community is a safe environment where the students can learn and grow.
However; there are times when students have a hard time following rules. When this occurs I will implement a 3 strikes their out procedure to get them back on track. If they do something that will hinder themselves from learning, another student from learning or me from teaching they will have 3 chances to become refocused and make better choices.
- Once I see that the student is not following the rules they will be asked to get back on task.
- If the behavior continues without changeI will then tell them which rule they need to follow to get back on task.
- If the behavior still continues, then they will have to put their name on my deskwhich will result in a note or email home to the parent about their behavior.
- If a student continues to struggle with their behavior I will create a personal behavioral plan, which will be discussed with the student and parents then will be implemented in class. But hopefully it will not come to that!
Reward System
- Specific Positive Praise
- Star Slips
- Class Pixar and Popcorn party
- Reward Bucket for full Soarin’ with Good Work charts
- Class Good Behavior Parties (the theme will vary)
Homework
Weekly Homework:A weekly homework sheet guidewill be sent home every Monday. This sheet will outline the homework for each night. Please initial the box once your child has completed the homework for that night. Return the homework on Friday.
Reading Calendar: Each Week I will send home a reading chart, which will be on the same sheet as the homework. If your child reads to you or you read to him/her for at least 15 minutes then initial next to that day and write the book title. Every Friday we will count how many books have been read in the class and the students will be able to add a balloons to our soarin’ house with balloons.
Other Information
Coming to school: Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast each morning and had a good night’s sleep. Our class starts at 7:40 when the first bell rings, we start right in on our morning work.
Class Specialties: Monday: Library
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: P.E.
Thursday: Computers
Friday: Music
Birthdays: I love birthdays and I want your child to enjoy his/her special day. However, if you are going to have your child bring in a snack it need to be from the list of healthy snacks which will be emailed to you. If you have any questions about the snack please let me know. Along with that I would love for your child to bring in their favorite book to share with the class. Lastly, when it comes to birthday invitations students are allowed to pass out invitations if every student is invited.
Book Orders: Your first grader will bring home book orders each month. If you would like to order, either go online and use the code for our class (this will be on the order form) or fill out the order form and payment and I will place the order for you. Along with that I will be encouraging the students to earn money to buy the dollar books offered by scholastic, so if your child is working for the dollar book they can bring the money in for a book and it will be ordered for them.
Class Website: This year we will have a classroom website where you will be able to see the newsletter, homework, and pictures of what we have been up to in class. You can access this site from the school website.
Our Adventure Backpack: This year your child will have the opportunity to take home our class adventure backpack! In the backpack will be the class adventure book and Kevin. The adventure backpack will be given out on Fridays and is due by the next Friday. The students are welcome to bring the backpack back whenever they want that week and share it with the class. This backpack will be a way for the students to share an adventure they had with Kevin helping their classmates get to know them better and giving each student a real life example of why we write. Please remind your student to be careful the backpack, Kevin, and the adventure book so that all the students may use it this year.
Curriculum Night: August 12 is for K-2 and August 13 for 3-5. There will be more information to come, but please put this on your calendar.
Parent Teacher Communication: In addition to our parent teacher conferences, I am always available to meet or speak with you. If it is not urgent, please write me a note or email me and I will respond within 48 hours, please give me a little time to answer all of your questions with the most informed answers. If it is urgent, such as a change in how your child is getting home, please call the office because I will not have time to see my email. I will checking my email before school and after, so please keep that in mind. You are welcome to call me at the school as well; in return I will contact you by note, email, or telephone if there is something we would like to discuss.
My Class Number: 480-541-3108
If you would like to volunteer to help me in the classroom or from home please let me know. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Meet the Teacher
Hi, my name is Erin Hill and I am excited to be joining the amazing staff at Estrella! This past year I was living in Utah where I taught first grade and finished up myeducation at Brigham Young University. While in college I become a big BYU basketball fan, discovered that I love to do art, andgained a love for traveling.
Even though I have lived in Utah for the last 5 years I am actually an Arizona native. I was born in Phoenix and livedin the same house until I left for college. Last summer I traveledeven farther from Arizona when I had the opportunity to live in Thailandwhere I helped the hill tribes working with HELP International. I have loved living in Utah and Thailand, but I would have to say that I love Arizona the most. I love to hike, camp, swim, and go on adventures! Along with that I have a love for art, history, reading, movies, and theatre.
This coming year I am excited to make new memories at Estrella. I am really looking forward to teachingyour children this year and becoming involved in the Kyrene community!