St. Michael School First Grade Program

ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL FIRST GRADE PROGRAM

St. Michael Catholic School strives to provide high quality Catholic education to all of the students. The 1st Grade at St. Michael’s is a student’s first introduction to a more formalized classroom. The goal of our 1st Grade Program is to help the children develop a love of learning in a faith filled atmosphere. As is true for our entire school community, the focus is to educate the whole child: academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

First Grade Program Overview The 1st grade program at St. Michael continues the developmental process of learning in a more formal environment. Integrated units are developed according to student interest. These units incorporate Reading (Comprehension, Fluency). Language Arts (Spelling, Grammar, Writing), Math, Social Studies, Science, and Religion skills required at this level. Hands on activities in Math encourage the further development of number sense, and daily writing activities enhance the ability to write and the confidence to do so. Small reading and writing groups allow students to learn at their own pace while being challenged to progress at a steady pace. Learning in small and large groups further develops group skills. A focus on inquiry as a basis of learning helps students to integrate their learning across the curriculum. Students begin to learn how to work more independently while developing organizational and study skills.

Instructional Materials Used, Though are not Limited to:  RCL Benzinger Religion Series “Blest Are We”  Houghton Mifflin Reading Series “Journeys”  Writers Workshop  Readers Workshop  Harcourt Math Series: “HSP Math”  “Math Their Way”  Harcourt Science Series “HSP Science”  Harcourt Social Studies Series “Horizons”  Rosetta Stone Spanish

Schedule Students begin their day with at 7:55 each day with morning assembly in the gym. Each student has the opportunity to attend Art, Music, P.E., Computer, and Library weekly. The students are also introduced to Spanish in 1st Grade. All 1st Grade students also participate in the St. Michael Guidance Program. The attend Mass with the entire school community each Wednesday. Students are dismissed daily at 3:15 (Wednesdays have a 2:15 dismissal).

Assessment Ongoing informal assessment through teacher observation and the grading of written work are used to determine student progress. Developmental Reading Assessments (DRA) are used throughout the year to determine progress in reading fluency and comprehension. Quarterly report cards indicate individual averages and are distributed in October, January, March and May. Weekly work and conduct grades are sent home each Wednesday to keep parents informed of student progress.

Home-School Connection:

A close relationship between school and home includes, though is not limited to:  A class webpage  Periodic “Brown Bag” lunches  Weekly “Paw Prints” sent home with school news  Read-A- Story opportunities throughout the year  Holiday events (Halloween carnival, Christmas Program, etc)  Scheduled parent-teacher conferences in the fall, and as needed in the spring

Miscellaneous Information:

 All students wear the school uniform purchased from Parker Uniforms.  Each child brings an individual snack each day.  Children eat lunch in the cafeteria and may either bring lunch or buy a hot meal.

Please contact the school office at 713-621-6847 if you have additional questions.