1 Welcome to Back to School Night in Room 2!Mrs. Knauer Mrs. Steger
2 This is an important year for you and your child.This PowerPoint will provide you with an overview of first grade and our routines and expectations We want to remind you that this is an informational session about 1st grade in Room 2 and please it is not the time to ask specific questions about your child. We can do that during Conferences! If you have any questions, please write them down on a “post-it” and place them on the “Parking Lot” (easel) as you leave tonight.
3 School starts promptly at 8:25 AM through Dismissal at 2:35 PM~OUR DAY~ School starts promptly at 8:25 AM through Dismissal at 2:35 PM ARRIVAL: Children who having breakfast may enter the building for the Breakfast Program in the Community Room. The Harrington Avenue door opens at 7:30 AM. All other children can start arriving at 8:00 AM. (Harrington side door or Greenbrook Road Main Entrance Doors) Please do NOT drop your child off before 8:00 AM, unless they are in the Breakfast Program! Children are expected to be in the classroom at 8:25 AM. Children will be marked tardy/late, if they arrive in the classroom after 8:25 AM. Attendance, Lunch Counts and Announcements begin at 8:26 AM. Remember to arrive on time for school every day!!!
4 Room 2’s Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Time ClassMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Time Class 8:25-8:30 Morning Routines 8:30-9:00 Writing Workshop 9:00-9:30 Fundations 9:30-10:00 Reading Workshop 10:00-10:30 10:30-11:00 Read Aloud 11:00-11:30 Mathematics 11:30-12:00 12:00-12:15 Literacy Flex Time 12:15-1:00 Lunch/ Recess 1:00-1:30 Science/ Social Studies Music 1:30-1:45 Technology World Language 1:45-2:00 Book Exchange ART 2:00-2:30 Physical Education Health Library " " 2:30-2:35 Dismissal
5 GOOD WEATHER DAY DISMISSAL:We meet at the WEST END SIGN --- on the sidewalk at middle of the front lawn. Children wait in line. They say “I am ready to Go” and the Room 2 teachers will respond “It’s okay to Go and then deliver your child directly to you or your designated pick up person. Room 2 teachers will ONLY dismiss/release your child when we have connected with you or the designated pick up person. Please make sure you tell every authorized person who picks up your child, they cannot just “take and go” without your child and the teacher going thru the dismissal procedure. The children know this, but get very confused when an adult tells them “let’s go before our dismissal dialog…” BAD WEATHER DAY DISMISSAL: Children are dismissed from the main entrance at Greenbrook Road. Mrs. Knauer or Mrs. Steger stands at the doors and looks for you (adult pick up person)! Please DO NOT STAND ON THE STAIRS, if you wait on the sidewalk, Mrs. Knauer/Mrs. Steger will make eye contact with you and then send your child outside. Children will be sent out in out 1-2 at a time. Please, please be patient with this procedure. We want to keep the children “dry” as long as possible, keep them safe and make it easier for both of you to “get together”! It is very important that your child is picked up after school promptly at 2:35 pm.
6 Room 2 Web Page 1st Grade academic information, Events for Room 2 and West End School can be found on our Web Page. Go to web page and follow links to West End School, then to Staff directory to Theresa Knauer.
7 COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION (best method of communication) We check every morning before school (usually before 7:00 AM) and each night. is checked periodically throughout the day. Although, it is not always possible. If something is very important, please call the Office. They will get the information to us as soon as possible. Phone: We will return your call in the afternoon/evening after school. EMERGENCIES: ALWAYS call the office. They will give us the message. FORMAL CONFERENCES: We are always happy to set up an appointment after or before school at a convenient date/time for all of us!
8 Homework Assignments & Information Sheet -- Sample
9 DAILY LUNCH & SNACK: Our Lunch is first 12:15 – 12:37 immediately followed by Recess until 1:00 PM. If you send in money for lunch Please place money/check in an envelope or ziploc bag. Clearly label; child’s first and last name, Room 2, student #. Of course the easiest way to pay for lunch is to go online to the NP Food Service Page. Each day we have a QUICK HEALTHY Snack every morning around 10:30 AM Please send healthy snack items, in a separate bag; labeled snack! Suggested healthy snack suggestions can be found on our web page! One “small” snack item is suggested and a non-sugar’y type drink. It is recommended snack items are easy and convenient to open and eat. Beverages should be placed in a plastic bag or have a very tight closure/seal. Liquid containers are sometimes not closed tightly and it could cause to have a very wet lunchbox/backpack, etc. Remember to separate snack and lunch in separate bags!
10 We Love CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS in Room 2! “Thinking outside the box”Celebrations We Love CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS in Room 2! In the spirit of community and sharing, West End has unique suggestions for children to share their birthday with their classmates!! “Thinking outside the box” Consider a non-edible birthday celebration. Planning around activities that we can do together as a class to celebrate a child’s special day! Each child can pick his/her own activity. Some examples include: games; Around the World or Mad Libs, crossword puzzles, GoNoodle videos, word searches, origami. Or create an appropriate homemade video to share, present a show-and-tell, etc. The activities should be brief (no longer than 5 or 10 minutes maximum). Afterward, we will all sing “Happy Birthday”! We can’t wait to see the ideas that are generated by our Room 2 children! The child can celebrate by arranging with the teacher to do a read-aloud by a family member or special guest. If desired, a child may donate the birthday book to the school and an honorary bookplate will be inserted to recognize the child’s birthday donation with a special note to current and future children. Teachers will schedule the 5-10 minute read-aloud. A grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, babysitter, or another special adult can read in lieu of a parent that is not available. Of course, if you prefer we can still celebrate a child’s birthday the traditional way. We ask that you send in small items; bite-sized. Healthy choices are always welcome, bite sized fruit cups, cereal, mini-muffins, pudding cups, pretzels, animal crackers or rice krispie treats. If more convenient, you can send in other bite-sized choices such as munchkins, brownies, small cupcakes or cookies. Goodie Bags are a kind gesture, but not necessary. If you do wish to send in a goodie bag; we highly recommend non-edible items are in the goodie bag. THANK YOU!
11 Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held November 14th- 16thThe Sign UP Sheets are available during tonight’s presentation! Please sign up up for one 10 minute time slot
12 Video about the Common Core:
13 We use the EVERYDAY MATH PROGRAM. The University of Chicago School Mathematics Program Common Core Standards Based Children will learn and practice basic mathematic skills by solving problems based on everyday situations. Using a variety of entry points, methods and use different tools to reach solutions. Children will also practice verbally explaining their work and reasoning for solving problems through open whole class discussions. Children will re-visit (over and over) concepts over the course of our year through repeated practice of skills taught previously. All of the lessons are designed to build on concepts and skills throughout the year. Learning Key Vocabulary for meaning and context needed for solving problems. Please note the Marking Period Expectations from September through June are posted on the Room 2 Web Site under Marking Period Expectations. You can click on the Link for Math. Each Marking Period will be listed and shows the expectations and benchmarks.
14 1st Grade Math Concepts The following topics will be introduced and emphasized: Operations and Algebraic Thinking Addition and subtraction Learning about the relationship of addition and subtraction Working with addition and subtraction equations Mastering quick fluent responses of addition/subtraction facts to the sum of 10.
15 Numbers and OperationsExtending counting sequences: recognizing, ordering and counting numbers in increments: 1’s, 5’s and 10’s. Understanding of Place Value for tens, ones Using place value knowledge for solving addition and subtraction problems. Measurement and Data Measuring and comparing lengths Telling and writing time to the hour and half hour. Telling/reading temperatures on the thermometers. Reading/interpreting and analyzing data to assist in solving problems. Reading/interpreting data on charts and graphs to respond to questions.
16 Geometry Recognizing, naming and labeling shapes and their attributes for 2 dimensions and 3 dimensional shapes. Fractions Recognizing and labeling wholes into fractions by (halves) ½ and quarters(¼).
17 Language Arts
18 Units of Study for Teaching ReadingFocusing on student independent reading time. Adapted from M. Klee, 2011
19 To create life-long readersIndependent Reading Developing individual student goals, skills and strategies. “A How To” Recipe for students to use across genres, text and grades. Fluency Development Comprehension To create life-long readers
20 Independent Student ReadingIndependent Reading is the heart of the Reading Workshop. This is the time when students practice strategies modeled in the mini-lesson or practice reading. Students can read alone, in pairs, or in small response groups. Teachers have the opportunity to confer with students or teach guided reading lessons or have a small-group lesson on a specific strategy or skill. Teachers can also do various assessments such as running records, retellings, or keeping anecdotal notes on children's progress. Some student activities include: Responding to text in reader's response notebook. Story chat with a group of students. Work with a reading partner. Do some silent reading Independent reading is a time for students to make their own book choices, apply reading strategies, have large blocks of time to read and set independent reading goals. Independent reading isn't just about letting kids read silently for a given amount of time. It's about providing students with the necessary tools to becoming independent and life long readers. Adapted from are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
21 Phonics - FUNDATIONS ProgramA multisensory, structured language program. Concentrating on Phonemic awareness Phonics/ word study High frequency (DOLCH SIGHT WORDS)word study Vocabulary Handwriting Spelling
22 Using appropriate sentence structure, grammar and punctuation.Writing Practicing appropriate letter and number formation. Correct usage of spacing and lines. Using strategies for organizing and developing ideas for writing fiction, personal and non-fiction pieces. Using appropriate sentence structure, grammar and punctuation. Creating Stories which stay on topic and have a beginning, middle and end.
23 1st grade – grading expectationsPlease note the Marking Period Expectations for Math and Language Arts are posted on the Room 2 Web Site. Look under the tab: 1st grade – grading expectations
24 Focusing on inquiry based techniques --- searching for natural phenomenon
25 My Class, My Community (citizenship) New Jersey Social Studies My Class, My Community (citizenship) New Jersey Character Education (C.A.R.D.) Cultural Traditions Making Changes; past and present Anti-Bullying/Respect WORLD LANGUAGE Learning basic and conversational phrases Technology Visiting W.E. Computer Lab, I-pads, Lap Tops Using district applications/web sites: COMPASS Learning and Razz-Kids. Visiting/navigating other websites and apps. World Languages !
26 DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS DRA Reading Assessments DOLCH SIGHT WORDS MathFall/Spring Assessment
27 Our focus for homework this year:Having parents and children sit down and read together at home. After reading we hope that you have a book chat. One additional mini activity which will vary in subject (10 min max). Throughout the year, we will periodically assign a family project.
28 Creating a Classroom CommunityMorning Meeting Celebrating each child Giving each a time to share
29 Class Rules
30 C.A.R.D.
31 Clip Chart for tracking Individual Student Behavior!A plan for promoting individual student behavior, positively. Rick Morris
32 SOME Additional INFORMATION and things we do, too!Yoga/Stretching Breaks GOALS: Setting PERSONAL Goals for Learning & promoting good behavior Setting CLASS Goals Celebrating Goals Achieved!
33 Enjoy your 1st grade experience with your child!!Two simple words….but I truly mean it! Thank you for you sharing your beautiful children with us to learn and grow together in Room 2! Enjoy your 1st grade experience with your child!!
34 A Message from our Principal and Assistant Principal
35 Monitor Attendance WHY: Monitoring attendance ensures that students will benefit from being a part of the educational program we plan for them on a daily basis. Our goal is to ensure that every student attends school regularly and on time. West End is committed to student success; attendance rates have increased and chronic absenteeism have decreased. Families too, play a key role in ensuring their children value the importance of attendance.
36 Reminders Students should be in class ready to learn by 8:25 a.m.Contact the school to report absences by 8:00 a.m. Send in doctors notes if applicable Contact school nurse for chronic medical concerns (ie asthma, diabetes, seizures etc) Be proactive and contact us if assistance is needed. Parent meetings will be scheduled after students are absent for a total of; 5 or more days within first marking period 7 or more days within the second and third marking periods 10 or more days within the fourth marking period Please be timely in picking up your child at 2:35 p.m. Aftercare is not available at WE but we do work in private organizations who offer those service (Klubhouse, etc.)