1st Grade
on a HUNT for information.....
As your child begins this exciting year, I want you to know how much I am looking forward to all of the amazing learning that will take place! This is a fundamental year in your child's education. Each classroom is a group of students with a wide range of abilities, ages, and backgrounds. I believe in creating an environment for my students that is homelike, positive, safe, creative and fun. I believe children learn best in an atmosphere of comfort and where they feel successful. Children learn in a variety of ways so I provide a wide range of opportunities to ensure all students are learning! I feel that parents are an important and essential part of the educational process and I value your communication and support. Please send me a note in your child’s daily folder, email me...or call me at school @ 995-3600, should you have any questions or concerns! I am looking forward to an exciting year!
Our Classroom
Each child has his/her own table space and chair sack for personal supplies. The classroom is set up to provide interest centers, a group instructional area and individual work spaces (tables). I believe this set up is best because it provides flexibility in teaching and learning.
Parent Involvement
Parent Involvement in your child's education is essential!
By expressing an interest in your child's education, you are encouraging success in school! All notes will be sent home in your child’s daily take home folder, please check that folder EVERYDAY and return it. If you have a question or concern, please send me a note in the folder or email me at school. I often write comments on students’ papers so please be sure to look at their work so you will know how they are doing! I enjoy and welcome those of you that can and want to participate in classroom parties, cooking experiences, or just want to help out at school so please let me know when you are available.
Coming and Going
*Please read carefully. School begins at 7:55am. Students are not allowed in the classrooms until 7:25am. Students arriving early for breakfast will go to the cafeteria to get their food and bring it back to class. School ends at 2:10pm. Students who are riding buses are dismissed at this time as well as students being picked up by parents and daycares or who go to Extended Day. If your child needs to leave early for any reason, you must go to the main office and sign him/her out. If, for any reason, your child is being picked up by someone else…even if that person’s name is on your child’s enrollment card, you must send me a signed note. The school cannot release your child to anyone without your permission. If your child rides the bus but you are picking him/her up…please send a note.
Breakfast
Please make sure your child is eating breakfast daily. Research shows children who eat breakfast learn better than those who don’t eat. HCE offers a breakfast program each day beginning at 7:25am..
Lunch
Children have the option of bringing their lunch or getting the school lunch. Please visit the School District of Lee County's Website for the daily lunch menu.
Misc. items
Please encourage your child to leave personal items at home, such as toys, make-up, jewelry, etc. These items create distractions in the classroom and are not needed at school. HCE is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Take Home Folder:
The Take Home folder is an important organizational tool for the student, teacher and parent. The folder may contain classwork, school notices and notes from the teacher. If you need to send in any notes, please be sure to put them in the folder. The contents of the folder should be reviewed daily. It is important that your child return the folder to school each day.
Communication Envelope:
A large, golden colored envelope is sent home each Monday. The envelope may contain graded papers, tests, and other school information. Please review the contents, initial the outside and return it to school the next day.
Discipline
I believe students thrive on positive recognition and praise. I work hard to create an environment of friendship and respect in my classroom. I teach students that life is about choices and I expect them to make appropriate choices. Students often test boundaries at the beginning of the school year. I strive for consistency and start each school year with clear expectations. If your child has difficulty making good choices or if problems occur at school, I will let you know. I use logical consequences whenever possible because it has been my experience that children learn from their mistakes when the consequences are logical and fair. Every year is different but discipline is rarely a significant problem in my classroom.
Final Note
I am thrilled to have your child in class this year!! Together, we will celebrate learning and facilitate continuing growth in your child! I am so excited about getting this year started…I am always so ready to jump back into school! When parents and teachers work together as a team, success is a reality!