Welcome to first grade! We are looking forward to working with you and your child this year! We have many exciting learning activities planned for your first grader. Here is some helpful information to get adjusted to first grade!

  • Teacher’s weekly plans can be found online at our school’s website-
  • Homeroom teachers must receive a signed note of any dismissal changes. To avoid confusion, please send the note of change in the morning. However, we do understand if an emergency arises.
  • If your child will be eating breakfast at the school, he/she should go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival.(Do not go to classroom first to drop off backpack.) Breakfast begins at 8:00 and students must be in line by 8:15 to be served.
  • Your child has been given a homework agenda and a take-home folder that need to be returned everyday. This agenda is used to notify you about assignments that need to be completed nightly. These assignments will help reinforce skills learned in school. It is important that you review and sign or initial the agenda daily. Your cooperation is appreciated!
  • Each Friday, word lists will be posted in your child’s agenda. Please practice (reading) these words over the weekend and throughout the week. First graders need to practice reading these words daily until the words are known. If a dot is drawn beside a certain word, then your child still needs extra practice learning that word. If there is a star, sticker, or stamp, your child has passed the word list. Please feel free to review word lists from previous weeks for mastery.
  • First graders also bring home a short spelling list (weekly.) The list will be located in his/her agenda next to the weekly word list. Typically, the spelling list will be passed out to students each Friday for the following Friday’s test.
  • We will participate in the “BOOK IT” program this year. We ask that you or another member of your family listens to your child read for ten or more minutes each night and then initial the appropriate box in the agenda. We will be rewarding students who read nightly!
  • Lunch money should be sent in an envelope with your child’s name, pin number, and teacher’s name.
  • The school collects:Campbell’s soup labels, box tops, used ink cartridges, and old cell phones.
  • In first grade, we go outside every day for recess unless it is raining or extremely cold. Please dress your child appropriately. Please do not wear flip-flops, as they can be unsafe for running on the playground.
  • In a week or so, Math Home Links will be sent home almost every night. Please complete the Home Links with your child and return it to school the following day. Also, please keep the Family Letter (you will be receive at the beginning of each new unit) available for reference to use during math homework time.
  • If a student is absent, please make arrangements for someone to pick up daily work. We cover new things every day and a student could fall behind quickly. Please call the office in the morning or send a note to request homework. We will have it ready to pick up in the office by the end of the day.
  • Pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 7th! Wear your best smile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach us at school (267-4623), send a note, or email us. We anticipate a terrific year with your child. Thanks so much for your cooperation and interest in your child’s education at Berlin Brothersvalley Elementary School!

Sincerely,

First Grade Teachers

Beth Anderson –

Jennifer Gilmore-

Inez O’Donnell-