First Day of School

We had a great day on our first day of school. No tears is always a good sign. We read some poems and books together. Students worked on an addition/coloring paper. They received a new poem book, one of their reading bags and their homework folder for office and classroom notes and of course homework. They ate an apple and cheese snack and then had some recess time. All in all the day went smoothly.

LUNCH

The lunch menu this year has many more choices; 3 choices a day. The students received a copy of the menu in their homework folder. Please go over these choices with your child so they know which choice to choose.

SUPPLIES

This list is similar to the list attached to your child’s report card at the end of Kindergarten.  A folder has been purchased for your child by me.  It is heavy duty with specially marked pockets.  This will be used as the Take Home Folder. 

• • Backpack (no wheels)
  • plastic supply box 
  • ear phones
  • scissors
  • box of crayons (24 pack)
  • 5 dry erase markers in a baggie labeled with your child’s name
  • 10 clear glue sticks in a baggie labeled with your child’s name
  • eraser (pink or mars white)
  • pencils (Ticonderoga are preferred) 
  • Colored pencils OPTIONAL
  • Pencil sharpener OPTIONAL
  • No markers please
  • box of Kleenex

Welcome Letter

I hope your Summer was fun-filled and restful; for yourself and for your children.

For those who may not know me, I have taught in the Dearborn schools for 29 years. This is about my eleventh year at Howard. I have been a Special Ed classroom teacher, a Special Ed teacher consultant, a Reading Recovery teacher, and a General Ed classroom teacher for the past 19 years.

I’m looking forward to working with you and teaching your child. We will be continuing with the Daily 5 Reading program, and the Eureka Math program we started last year. With your help and cooperation, I’m sure this will be a very successful year for your child.

“Classroom Procedures”

Pick up and Drop off: Please pick up and drop off your child at the appropriate outside door. Please refrain from walking your child to the classroom. In First Grade your child is ready to be independent. If your child takes the bus, make sure they know their bus number. Let me know if they are to attend Kid’s Club, and for safety reasons, if someone other than you will be picking them up.

School Times: First bell – 8:35 (tardy after 8:40) late start 9:35

                                Lunch 12:00 – 12:30

                                Dismissal – 3:35 Half days 11:45

School Supplies: The district provides the basic supplies including paper, pencils, crayons, notebooks, scissors, and glue. You may bring additional supplies as needed. It would be good for each child to have a pencil box to keep their supplies. They do not need binders or mechanical pencils. Students may bring an extra folder for completed work that I have graded.

Home Supplies: Your child needs to have a quiet place, and supplies at home to do their homework. Help them to be organized, and to remember to put their name on all papers.

Birthdays are a special time for our little ones. Students will be acknowledged on their birthday, but the celebrating with treats will be done only once a year in the second semester of school to accommodate all the birthdays.

Snacks: Each child may bring an individual snack every day. Snack time will be around 10:15am and lunch is at11:45am. Snack choices are fruits, veggies, yogurt or cheese. Snacks are eaten while the students are working, or it can be taken outside at recess. Students may also have a water bottle at their desk as long as it does not cause distractions.

Homework: There is a small amount of homework on Monday through Thursday. Please stress the importance of completing it neatly, carefully, and turning it in on time. Provide your child with a quiet area to do their homework. Make sure they understand the work, but they should do it themselves. Students should be reading every night; school books or books from home. We have purchased a plastic “Take Home” folder. This folder will be for school notes, teacher notes, and of course homework.

Book Orders are sent home about once a month. If you wish to order you can do it online or return the form with cash or a check (payable to Scholastic Books) in an envelope with their name on it.

Communication:

     Email – macdons@dearbornschools.org

       Phone – (827-6350) Phone calls come through the office. The secretary will usually have you leave a message.

       Blog – http://iblog.dearbornschools.org/macdons/

Classroom Helpers are always welcomed. If you have some time available to volunteer, please let me know what days or times you are available.

                                                                   Thanks

                                                                    Ms. MacDonald