General Information
and
Important Reminders
and
Important Reminders
Absences - If your child is absent, please send an excuse the following day to avoid an unexcused absence. Please place the excuse in the zip pouch of the O.K. Binder.
Attendance - It is important for your child to come to school every day. Regular attendance is essential for academic growth. If your child must be out, please telephone the office before noon and leave a message for me to gather your child's daily work. I will leave it in the office for you to pick up.
Arrival - Elementary students begin school each day at 7:50 a.m. Please drop off your child between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. Children are to report to the gym when they arrive. If your child eats breakfast at school he/she will be sent to the lunchroom at the appropriate time.
Your child will be counted tardy if he/she comes into my room after 7:50. If your child is late, he/she must go by the office to get a tardy sliip. Your child will not be admitted to class without one. Please make every attempt to have your child at school on time. Your child misses important instructional time if he/she is late.
Attendance - It is important for your child to come to school every day. Regular attendance is essential for academic growth. If your child must be out, please telephone the office before noon and leave a message for me to gather your child's daily work. I will leave it in the office for you to pick up.
Arrival - Elementary students begin school each day at 7:50 a.m. Please drop off your child between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. Children are to report to the gym when they arrive. If your child eats breakfast at school he/she will be sent to the lunchroom at the appropriate time.
Your child will be counted tardy if he/she comes into my room after 7:50. If your child is late, he/she must go by the office to get a tardy sliip. Your child will not be admitted to class without one. Please make every attempt to have your child at school on time. Your child misses important instructional time if he/she is late.
Change in Transportation - If there is a change in your child's transportation, you must send a written note. Do not rely on your child to tell me this information. Children often become confused and relay messages incorrectly. Place the note in the zipper pouch of the O.K. Binder. Please make transportation arrangements at home prior to arrival at school. Try not to call the office and leave messages about a change in transportation unless it is an emergency. Not only do messages confuse students, office interruptions could prevent the delivery of the message. If a written note is not received and I haven't heard from the office, your child will be sent home by his/her usual mode of transportation.
Checkouts - If you need to pick up your child during the day before dismissal time, you must sign him/her out in the office. Office personnel will call your child to come to the office over the intercom.
Conferences - I try to schedule a Parent/Teacher conferences at least once each nine weeks. We will discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses, behavior, test scores and any concerns you may have. If at any time you have a concern and want to schedule a conference with me, please write a note on the Parent/Teacher Communication pages in your child's O.K. Binder or email me so that we can set up a time.
Checkouts - If you need to pick up your child during the day before dismissal time, you must sign him/her out in the office. Office personnel will call your child to come to the office over the intercom.
Conferences - I try to schedule a Parent/Teacher conferences at least once each nine weeks. We will discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses, behavior, test scores and any concerns you may have. If at any time you have a concern and want to schedule a conference with me, please write a note on the Parent/Teacher Communication pages in your child's O.K. Binder or email me so that we can set up a time.
Daily Schedule - Our schedule is posted on the wall outside our classroom door. You may also view it online. Click here to see the schedule.
Dismissal - Buses load at 2:45 p.m. Car riders dismiss at 3:00.
Donations - We appreciate all donations - whether it be a donation of your time by volunteering or a donation of money so that we may purchase needed items or a donation of an item from our Wish List. Thank you!
Dismissal - Buses load at 2:45 p.m. Car riders dismiss at 3:00.
Donations - We appreciate all donations - whether it be a donation of your time by volunteering or a donation of money so that we may purchase needed items or a donation of an item from our Wish List. Thank you!
Field Trips - Information about field trips will come home in the O.K. Binder and will be noted in the weekly newletter and on this website. At this time there are no plans.
Fundraisers - Our school participates in several fund raisers during the school year. Fund raisers help provide the school with necessary equipment and supplies. We hope that everyone will participate. Notice of fund raisers will come home in the Bulldog Folder and will be noted on the weekly newsletter and on this site.
Fundraisers - Our school participates in several fund raisers during the school year. Fund raisers help provide the school with necessary equipment and supplies. We hope that everyone will participate. Notice of fund raisers will come home in the Bulldog Folder and will be noted on the weekly newsletter and on this site.
Emergency Dismissal - There may be times when the school will need to call for an emergency dismissal. This is ususally due to inclement weather. If the need should arise for an emergency dismissal, all students will be dismissed according to our school emergency plan. If severe or unusual weather is approaching the state, please tune in to local television and radio stations for announcements about school closings.
Emergency Phone Numbers - Please make sure that the office has all your child's emergency contact information. If this information changes at any time during the school year, please send me a note and call our office at 594-5242 to make the necessary changes.
Emergency Phone Numbers - Please make sure that the office has all your child's emergency contact information. If this information changes at any time during the school year, please send me a note and call our office at 594-5242 to make the necessary changes.
Grading - The following grading system will be used for READING, MATH, and LANGUAGE/SPELLING:
90-100 A- to A+
80-89 B- to B+
70-79 C- to C+
60-69 D- to D+
0-59 F
Reading grades will be taken from assessments provided with the Harcourt Storytown Reading Series in the following areas:
High-Frequency Words
Comprehension
Phonics Skills
Fluency
Focus Skills
Robust Vocabulary
Teacher-made tests may also be given on individual skills.
Math grades will be taken from:
Teacher-made tests
Portions of the Scott Foresman Math Series Assessments
Saxon Math Assessments
Math Fact Tests
Spelling - The children will be given ten words each week. We will do different activities with the words during the week. The children will be given a spelling test on Friday. This grade will be recorded. Spelling and language grades are combined for the report card and progress reports.
Language - A grade will be taken each week from an assessment that comes from the Harcourt Storytown Reading Series. Language and spelling grades are combined for the report card and progress reports.
90-100 A- to A+
80-89 B- to B+
70-79 C- to C+
60-69 D- to D+
0-59 F
Reading grades will be taken from assessments provided with the Harcourt Storytown Reading Series in the following areas:
High-Frequency Words
Comprehension
Phonics Skills
Fluency
Focus Skills
Robust Vocabulary
Teacher-made tests may also be given on individual skills.
Math grades will be taken from:
Teacher-made tests
Portions of the Scott Foresman Math Series Assessments
Saxon Math Assessments
Math Fact Tests
Spelling - The children will be given ten words each week. We will do different activities with the words during the week. The children will be given a spelling test on Friday. This grade will be recorded. Spelling and language grades are combined for the report card and progress reports.
Language - A grade will be taken each week from an assessment that comes from the Harcourt Storytown Reading Series. Language and spelling grades are combined for the report card and progress reports.
Library - Your child will be visiting our library. Our librarian's name is Mrs. Pierson. After a few weeks, your child will be allowed to check out a book to be taken home. Please make sure your child takes very good care of this book. The book must be returned before a new one can be checked out. You will be required to pay for any lost or damaged books.
Lunch - We eat lunch each day from 10:40 to 11:05. Your child may eat the school lunch or bring lunch from home. The cost for a regular paid lunch is $1.75. Reduced lunches are .40. If your child brings his/her lunch, please make sure they have the appropriate eating utensils. Forks, spoons, cups, and napkins cost the lunchroom money and should only be given out to those eating the school lunch. You are welcome to eat lunch with your child anytime. The cost of lunch for visitors is $3.25. Please sign in at the office and get a visitor's pass before waiting for us in the lunchroom. Breakfast is served daily for those interested. The cost of breakfast is $1.00 for full paid, .30 for reduced paid, and $2.25 for visitors.
Lunch Accounts - Your child will have an assigned lunch number. This number will access your child's lunch account. You may deposit money for lunch and breakfast into this account. A notice will be sent home when your child's account is running low. Please send money the following day after receiving a notice. There is to be no charging in the lunchroom.
Lunch - We eat lunch each day from 10:40 to 11:05. Your child may eat the school lunch or bring lunch from home. The cost for a regular paid lunch is $1.75. Reduced lunches are .40. If your child brings his/her lunch, please make sure they have the appropriate eating utensils. Forks, spoons, cups, and napkins cost the lunchroom money and should only be given out to those eating the school lunch. You are welcome to eat lunch with your child anytime. The cost of lunch for visitors is $3.25. Please sign in at the office and get a visitor's pass before waiting for us in the lunchroom. Breakfast is served daily for those interested. The cost of breakfast is $1.00 for full paid, .30 for reduced paid, and $2.25 for visitors.
Lunch Accounts - Your child will have an assigned lunch number. This number will access your child's lunch account. You may deposit money for lunch and breakfast into this account. A notice will be sent home when your child's account is running low. Please send money the following day after receiving a notice. There is to be no charging in the lunchroom.
Homework - Homework is given to reinforce what the children have learned in class. It also helps to develop responsibility. Homework assignments will be listed on the Classroom Express in the O.K. Binder and on this site. The assignments are sent home in the binder. Unless noted, all assignments should be sent back in the O.K. Binder the following day. You may read more about it here.
Ice Cream - First grade students may buy ice cream on Fridays during the lunch period.
Medications - All medications should be brought to school by the parent. Never send medications in your child's backpack. Parents should deliver medications to the school nurse and complete a medication form. This applies to prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Money - All money should be sent to school in the zipper pouch in the O.K. Binder. Please provide the following information:
A. The amount of money sent
B. The purpose of the money (lunch, pictures, book order, animal show, etc...)
If you send cashwithout a note and we are collecting for several things, I will not know what the money is for and will not be able to give your child the proper credit.
Please do not write one check to cover more than one event or item. Many times the money must be sent to different places. For example, lunch money must be sent to the lunchroom while field trip money must be sent to the office. The office and lunchroom staff cannot give change back from a check. Please send separate checks.
Money - All money should be sent to school in the zipper pouch in the O.K. Binder. Please provide the following information:
A. The amount of money sent
B. The purpose of the money (lunch, pictures, book order, animal show, etc...)
If you send cashwithout a note and we are collecting for several things, I will not know what the money is for and will not be able to give your child the proper credit.
Please do not write one check to cover more than one event or item. Many times the money must be sent to different places. For example, lunch money must be sent to the lunchroom while field trip money must be sent to the office. The office and lunchroom staff cannot give change back from a check. Please send separate checks.
Parties - We are allowed to have two parties during the school year - Christmas and End-of-the Year. During other special holidays and events the students are allowed a special snack. Parents send in goodies for the snack and I pass it out to the children to eat during their snack time.
Photographs - I will be using my digital camera quite a bit. I may display photos of your child in the hallway, in my newsletters, and on this site. Please make sure you have filled out and signed the Photo Release Form. I will not use your child's photograph on this site without having received this form from you. Your child will feel left out if he/her photo is not posted with the other children's photos.
Photographs - I will be using my digital camera quite a bit. I may display photos of your child in the hallway, in my newsletters, and on this site. Please make sure you have filled out and signed the Photo Release Form. I will not use your child's photograph on this site without having received this form from you. Your child will feel left out if he/her photo is not posted with the other children's photos.
Newsletter - A weekly newsletter, The Classroom Express, will be sent home on Mondays in the O.K. Binder. The newsletter will contain announcements and important information about upcoming events and will keep you informed about what is happening in our classroom.
Recess - Weather permitting, we will go outside for recess every day. This time provides the children with a physical release as well as important socialization time with friends from other classrooms. Please make sure your child has the appropriate outside attire.
Report Cards and Progress Reports - A progress report is given out during the middle of each grading period to give you an idea of how your child is doing so far. Report cards are sent out at the end of each grading period. The report card will give you an understanding of your child's strengths and weaknesses. When a report card is sent home with your child, it will be enclosed in an envelope. Please sign the front of the envelope and return it to me. The report card is yours to keep. The dates of each grading period and for the release of progress reports and report cards are listed below.
First Grading Period - August 11 - October 8
Progress Reports - September 14
Report Cards - October 14
Second Grading Period - October 11 - December 17
Progress Reports - November 16
Report Cards - January 4
Third Grading Period - January 4 - March 11
Progress Reports - February 8
Report Cards - March 24
Fourth Grading Period - March 21 - May 26
Progress Reports - April 26
Report Cards - May 26
Rules - A list of classroom rules and consequences are listed in the behavior section of the O.K. Binder. You may also view them here .
Report Cards and Progress Reports - A progress report is given out during the middle of each grading period to give you an idea of how your child is doing so far. Report cards are sent out at the end of each grading period. The report card will give you an understanding of your child's strengths and weaknesses. When a report card is sent home with your child, it will be enclosed in an envelope. Please sign the front of the envelope and return it to me. The report card is yours to keep. The dates of each grading period and for the release of progress reports and report cards are listed below.
First Grading Period - August 11 - October 8
Progress Reports - September 14
Report Cards - October 14
Second Grading Period - October 11 - December 17
Progress Reports - November 16
Report Cards - January 4
Third Grading Period - January 4 - March 11
Progress Reports - February 8
Report Cards - March 24
Fourth Grading Period - March 21 - May 26
Progress Reports - April 26
Report Cards - May 26
Rules - A list of classroom rules and consequences are listed in the behavior section of the O.K. Binder. You may also view them here .
Show and Tell - The children may bring an item for show and tell on Fridays during snack time. The item must remain in your child's backback or behind my desk until that time. If possible, try to make the item something other than a toy. For an example, I had one child bring in a horseshoe from her horse and she told the children about how the shoe is placed on the horse. The children were facinated. Photographs from special vacations or of new siblings have also been big hits.
Snack - First grade students will not be purchasing snacks from the vending machines. Please make sure you send a snack for your child each day. If you have any questions about this, please see me.
Snack - First grade students will not be purchasing snacks from the vending machines. Please make sure you send a snack for your child each day. If you have any questions about this, please see me.
Toys - Toys are not allowed at school unless one is brought in for Show-and-Tell on Fridays. Please remind your child that the toy should remain in his/her backpack until Show-and-Tell time. Your child may also give it to me that morning and I will put it out of sight behind my desk. Toys are a distraction from our learning and will be taken up if your child is caught playing with one.
Technology - Our classroom has 5 computers. The computers will be used to reinforce reading and math skills. Your child should be able to use a computer every day. We also go to computer lab once a week.
Technology - Our classroom has 5 computers. The computers will be used to reinforce reading and math skills. Your child should be able to use a computer every day. We also go to computer lab once a week.
Visitors - We welcome visitors to our school. For the safety of all in the school building, we ask that you sign in at the office and obtain a visitor's badge when you arrive. Please do not walk directly to the classroom without obtaining a visitors badge. Please do this even if you are a frequent visitor or volunteer. I know it may be a hassle but the school policy is designed to maintain a safe environment for the students and staff.
Volunteers/Volunteering - Parent volunteers are always welcomed!! There are many areas where volunteers are needed. You may want to volunteer weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. You may be want to volunteer to do work at home for us such as cutting out classroom projects. I send out a volunteer form the first week of school. If you are interested in volunteering in any way, please feel out the form and return it to me. If you do not want to volunteer at this time and later change your mind, contact me and I will send you a volunteer form. I would love your help!!!
Volunteers/Volunteering - Parent volunteers are always welcomed!! There are many areas where volunteers are needed. You may want to volunteer weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. You may be want to volunteer to do work at home for us such as cutting out classroom projects. I send out a volunteer form the first week of school. If you are interested in volunteering in any way, please feel out the form and return it to me. If you do not want to volunteer at this time and later change your mind, contact me and I will send you a volunteer form. I would love your help!!!
Water Bottles - If you would like to send a water bottle labeled with your child's name, please do so. This will allow your child to get water when needed during class time. Make sure that the water bottle has a pull-up cap. A pull-up cap helps prevent spills.
Website - This website is new and I will probably be perfecting the layout all year as well as adding new pages. I will try my best to keep it updated. Please visit the site often. If you have any suggestions about something you would like to see on the site, please let me know.
Wish List - We are all affected by the current economic crisis. School funds have been cut drastically. If you are financially able and would like to donate needed items to our class, please refer to our Wish List. Any donations will help us in our discoveries of learning. Thank you!!!
Website - This website is new and I will probably be perfecting the layout all year as well as adding new pages. I will try my best to keep it updated. Please visit the site often. If you have any suggestions about something you would like to see on the site, please let me know.
Wish List - We are all affected by the current economic crisis. School funds have been cut drastically. If you are financially able and would like to donate needed items to our class, please refer to our Wish List. Any donations will help us in our discoveries of learning. Thank you!!!
O.K. Binder - The O.K. Binder is an important communication tool. You may read more about it here or on the sheet in the first clear sleeve of the binder.
Welcome to First Grade! You may have some questions about the policies and procedures in first grade. The following "ABC's of First Grade" is intended to answer some of them. If you need more information, please contact me .
ABC's of First Grade
Backpacks - Please make sure that your child has a backpack or tote bag to for school. Your child should bring the backpack to school each day. No rolling backpacks are allowed.
Birthdays - We would love to celebrate your child's birthday. If you would like to send a birthday treat for the children on your child's birthday, please send it that morning. The treats will be eaten during our snack time. Remember all treats should be store bought. You can check out our list of birthdays here.
Please do not send birthday party invitations to be distributed at school unless ALL children receive an invitation or you send invitations for all the boys or all the girls.
Book Orders - I will send home a Scholastic book order form every month. This is a great and inexpensive way to build your child's home library with quality books at reduced prices. If you wish to place an order please fill out the order form making sure you have included your child's name and have clearly marked the book(s) you are ordering. Please return the order with your check or the correct amount of cash in a sealed envelope in the money pouch of the O.K. Binder. Please make checks out to Scholastic Book Clubs. Do not make checks out to me. Book orders usually arrive 7 to 10 days after I place the order.
Birthdays - We would love to celebrate your child's birthday. If you would like to send a birthday treat for the children on your child's birthday, please send it that morning. The treats will be eaten during our snack time. Remember all treats should be store bought. You can check out our list of birthdays here.
Please do not send birthday party invitations to be distributed at school unless ALL children receive an invitation or you send invitations for all the boys or all the girls.
Book Orders - I will send home a Scholastic book order form every month. This is a great and inexpensive way to build your child's home library with quality books at reduced prices. If you wish to place an order please fill out the order form making sure you have included your child's name and have clearly marked the book(s) you are ordering. Please return the order with your check or the correct amount of cash in a sealed envelope in the money pouch of the O.K. Binder. Please make checks out to Scholastic Book Clubs. Do not make checks out to me. Book orders usually arrive 7 to 10 days after I place the order.
Journals - Your child will be writing in a journal each day. Writing is closely connected to reading because children take the concepts that they have learned in reading, phonics, and language and then they apply them to their writing.
Kindness - Every student in my classroom will be treated with kindness and respect. I expect every student to treat the other members of the class with kindness and respect.
Questions - If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. You may contact me in one of the following ways:
1. Write a note in the Parent/Teacher Communication section of the O.K. Binder.
2. Email me at Susan.Murray@sccboe.org .
3. Call the school at 594-5242 to schedule a conference.
1. Write a note in the Parent/Teacher Communication section of the O.K. Binder.
2. Email me at Susan.Murray@sccboe.org .
3. Call the school at 594-5242 to schedule a conference.
Update - Please keep the office and me updated when you have changes to your address, phone number(s), emergency contacts, or situations you feel we should know about. It is very important that we know how to get in touch with you.
eXtra Supplies - Please purchase extra supplies when they are on sale. Your child needs school supplies at home to complete homework. He/She will also need to replenish supplies at school during the year.
You - You are the most important adult in your child's life. That makes you an important part of your child's educational team. I look forward to working with you to help your child do his/her best this year. I feel confident that your child will be successful in mastering the many skills presented in first grade if we work together by keeping in touch and by your reinforcing these skills at home. You know your child best. I value your input.
Zzzzz - Your child needs plenty of rest each night in order to be prepared for a full school day. Please establish a regular bedtime schedule and stick with it. Most children need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night to be at their best each day.
