Dear Parents/Guardians and Students s5

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Welcome to the 1st Grade. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your family and I am so excited about the opportunities ahead of us! We are embarking on a journey full of new and challenging experiences. In order to succeed, we will work together… every step of the way. My teaching philosophy is completely student-centered and I believe in providing students with unlimited hands on experiences in all subject areas. My goal is to use a variety of teaching strategies that will benefit all learning styles and encompass various elements of holistic learning. We will ALWAYS…“Think and wonder. Wonder and think” (Dr. Seuss-inspired, of course) In this packet, I have included information concerning classroom rules, consequences, rewards, and policies. I ask that you please fill out the return signature sheet indicating that both you and your child have reviewed the information. I would be delighted for you to visit our classroom, schedule a conference, or volunteer to help out during this school year! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me by calling the school (317) 544-6800 or via email at [email protected]. For your records, please note the following:

River Birch Elementary School 5456 E. CR 75 North Avon, IN 46123

Twitter: @RiverBirch_Elem Facebook: Facebook.com/RiverBirch.Elem

Again, welcome to 1st Grade. Let’s work together to make this the best year ever!

Sincerely, Classroom Mrs. Rules Please ask your child about being “Bucket Fillers” and how that relates to learning. They will have some terrific connections to share and discuss with you.

#1 BE RESPECTFUL - property, rules, playground, gym, cafeteria - self - classmates, teacher, aides, parents, and other staff

#2 DO RAISE YOUR HAND -listen to others -raise hand quietly while waiting to speak -participate in class

#3 BE RESPONSIBLE -come to school prepared -turn in assignments on time -write assignments in planner -keep desk, folders, and cubby organized

#4 BE All Stars -do your best work -help others -don’t be afraid to ask questions! First Guide  -Direct reminder to student *Verbal or Nonverbal Second Guide (lose a ticket)  -Direct but private verbal reminder *Discuss expected behavior and future consequences

Third Guide (lose a ticket)  -Take a break *Private student-teacher conference

Fourth Guide (lose a ticket)  -Loss of privileges: recess, desk moved, etc. *Phone call home and/or student-parent-teacher meeting

Fifth Guide (lose a ticket)  -Loss of privileges *Referral to office Homework Expectations

* Each student will receive a HOMEWORK FOLDER with two sides. One side will be labeled “Keep Home” and the other “Bring Back”. Students are responsible for bringing back all assignments and parent correspondence by using this folder.

* Parents are encouraged to ask their child each day “Do you have any homework?” and each night “Show me your homework.” An assignment book is filled out each day by the students to inform parents of any work that is to be completed for the next day. I do require students to have their assignment book signed each night: however, I understand that evenings are hectic for families. Please just communicate with me as much as possible, in order to insure that we are working together. Rewards for “All Star” Behaviors

Students who demonstrate “All Star” behavior in the classroom will be rewarded in the following ways: o -Verbal praise o -Call/note to parent o -Incentive Stickers o Raffle Tickets

Examples of “All Star” behavior: -Outstanding participation -Helping classmates and teacher -Following class rules -Keeping a neat and organized desk -Asking relevant questions -Good reports from other teachers and staff

Important Classroom Information Graded Work Folders Every other Monday, your child will be taking home a graded work folder. The folder will contain all graded tests, quizzes, and assignments from the previous week. Once you have seen the work, please sign the attached sheet and have your child return the folder on Wednesday with all the work inside. By providing your signature, I know that you have seen all of your child’s graded work from the previous week. At the end of each grading period, the folder will go home with all materials to be kept at home!

ClassDojo You and your child will also be able to communicate with the teacher through Edline. I will be posting important information, helpful websites, newsletters, and spelling/vocabulary words throughout the school year.

Student of the Week Students will also be participating in a Student of the Week program. Students will randomly be picked each week as the Student of the Week. The student chosen will be asked to provide pictures of him/her to display on the Student of the Week poster. Students will also be given the opportunity to bring in items to share with the class throughout their special week. I will be informing students the Monday before their week so they will have the opportunity to locate pictures/items to share starting on Friday. Please support your child with this fun activity.

Pictures/Videos Throughout the year, I will be taking pictures of students while working on assignments, completing routine tasks, presenting projects, working together during activities, etc. At the end of the year, I will compile the pictures into a slide show. This is a great way to remember our special year and see how much the students have grown! If you would NOT like your child to be photographed, please check your preference on the sign and return sheet. I also plan on having the students use Flip Video cameras for special projects and assignments for different subject areas. Again, please check your preference on the sign and return sheet.

Book Report/Project For each six-weeks in Reading, students will be required to read a chapter book and complete a book report on their chosen book. Students are given 15-20 minutes every day to read their chapter books- which should give them plenty of time to get through their books in the first six-weeks and complete a book report. (If the six-weeks is coming to a close, and a student does not have his/her chapter book completely read, he/she can then take it home in order to complete it in time.) Students will complete a different kind of report/project every grading period after reading their chapter books. Please make sure that your child has his/her chapter book IN SCHOOL every day to read during this time.

Thank you for taking the time to look over all of this information. I appreciate all that you do, and I look forward to working together with you this year!

I have read and discussed with ______the following: Print Your Child’s Name -Welcome Back letter -Classroom Rules -Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior -Homework Assignment Policy/Consequences/Expectations -Rewards for “All Star” Behaviors -Important Classroom Information

______

______Parent Signature Student Signature Date

Yes, I do give permission to have my child photographed/video-taped throughout this school year No, I do NOT give permission to have my child photographed/video-taped throughout this school year ______