William E. Norris Elementary

Mrs. Webster's Web Page

Welcome to First Grade

Room 19 Newsletter

Dear Families,

Welcome to first grade! My name is Pauline Webster and I will be your child’s teacher. First grade is a dynamic year, full of tremendous growth. There is a lot of information to share with you. Below are some of the nuts and bolts of our day. During the first six weeks of school we establish our schedule and routines. As we implement the different curriculum areas information about the specific areas will be sent home.

Arrival/Dismissal: For the first three days of school we will be meeting outside at the bus loop. There will be a sign with my name on it so you know where to meet. We will say our good-byes outside and walk inside as a class. After the first week students will walk to the classroom on their own. Students should enter the school through the main lobby by way of the front doors. At dismissal time pick ups will walk to the lobby together and bus students will be taken to their busses by a teacher.

Snack: Your child may bring a small snack and drink to school each day. School snack is not available for purchase in first grade. Please pack a healthy snack such as fruit, yogurt, cheese, crackers, or veggies. Snack lasts only a few minutes and is meant to curb students hunger before lunch. There is a water fountain in the class for use throughout the day. A reminder that we are a tree nut safe school. Please check snack labels carefully to ensure that the snack does not contain nuts or processed in a facility with nuts.

Lunch: Students may purchase lunch through the cafeteria for $2.50 (lunch and drink) or a drink (milk or juice) for $.35. Please send lunch money in an envelope with your child’s name and my name on it. Please indicate on the outside of the envelope what your child will be purchasing (full lunch, drink only). The envelope is sent back if either the student or teacher name is missing. Please prepay for the week or month. Checks should be written out to the Norris School Lunch Program. Lunch counts are taken at the beginning of the day. Please help your child know if or what they will be ordering for the day. This helps the lunch count go smoothly and quickly during our busy morning. Monthly menus are sent home each moth and can also be found on the schools web site.

Classroom Helper: Each day one student will be the classroom helper. This student takes notes to the office, the lunch count to the cafeteria, helps with morning meeting jobs and leads the line.

Recess:  We go out most days, please help your child select suitable clothing and shoes so that they will be safe and comfortable on the playground. Outdoor recess is determined by a weather chart in the back of the student handbook.

Specials: Each week students will attend music, library, gym and art. One day of the week there is a rotating special (it changes each week).

                                     Monday/ Gym

                                    Tuesday/ Music

                                    Wednesday/ Art

                                    Thursday/ Extra Special

                                    Friday/ Library

Conferences/Communication: Official parent teacher conferences are held twice a year (October/March) but at any time during the year we can get together if you have questions and/or concerns about your child. Please do not hesitate to schedule a time to meet (527-0811 or email pwebster@hr-k12.org).

Clothes: Please label all coats, backpacks, sweaters, sweatshirts and lunch boxes with your child’s name. It is amazing how often children forget what their clothing looks like. It also helps when looking for a lost item. Please send in a large t-shirt to be used as a smock for messy art projects throughout the year.

Classroom Donations: A class supply list was sent home at the end of the year. These items will be shared by the class (with the exception of the composition book). Throughout the year I will let you know of needed supplies based on upcoming activities and needs. These items will be included in newsletters and in the pocket chart in the front lobby.

Birthdays: Birthdays are very important to young children. They are exciting and bring great joy. We want to celebrate your child and make them feel as important as they are. Some families enjoy sending in something special on their child’s birthday. If you want to send in a treat, please let me know several days ahead of time. There are children with food allergies that may not be able to eat the treat you send in and other arrangements for that child can be made with enough planning time.

Gifts: At holiday times some families like to give gifts to teachers as an expression of thanks. I ask that instead of giving a teacher gift that you consider giving a gift to the class. This gift could be a copy of your child’s favorite book, game, or gift card... Please do not feel that you need to but if you do please keep this request in mind.

Classroom Volunteers: Through out the year I will be asking for volunteers to help with special projects and activities. There are also several things that could be done at home. If you would be interested in volunteering please let me know - we would love to have your help!

Questionnaire/information sheet: Enclosed is a quick questionnaire/information sheet that will help me get to know your child. Please fill it out and return it through the mail, drop it off at the office or return it when your student comes for the reading assessment at the end of August.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year.

Sincerely,

Pauline Webster