I hope that everyone hada fun and exciting summer. I am lookingforward to a wonderful year here in First Grade. This is what we will be working on inSeptember:
Math: We will be working on Unit 1. During the firstunit students learn how to use our math tools such as a number line, practice dailycounting routines, and learn how to work in small groups. These skills willbuild the foundation for later lessons in addition, subtraction, counting money,telling time, and many more. The mathhomework is directly tied to math lessons taught in class, so it will keep youinformed of the concepts I’m teaching.
LanguageArts: We have started our first unit in Treasures which is called All About Us. The Treasures ReadingProgram is new to FUSD, so I will be learning all about it as the school yearprogresses. In this first unit studentswill be exploring sounds, letter patterns, and literature that encourages alove of reading. We will be thinking about how the things we like to do help tomake us who we are. The first unit alsobuilds a solid foundation for using the writing process throughout the schoolyear.
Spelling: We are working on letter formation and soundspellings. Weekly spelling lists will be included in the homework packet, andwe will have spelling tests on Fridays.
Science: We will be learningabout how living things meet their needs.
Social Studies: We will be learningabout how to make rules, our countries flag, and respect for others.
Homework: Each week a foldertitled “Homework” will be sent home on Friday. The folder must be returned with the completed homework the followingFriday. I am sending it home on Fridaysso that you have the choice to begin the work early over the weekend. Thehomework packet is designed to be done during four weeknights. No homework is assigned over the weekend. I will give the first homework packet onFriday, September 21st. It isdue on Friday, September 28th.
AmazingAuthors:
RobertMunsch began telling stories to children during circle time when he was apreschool teacher. Twelve years later hebegan to publish his stories as children’s books. Munsch’s stories are funny, energetic and funto read.
www.robertmunsch.com
KevinHenkes writes stories about children’s first experiences. His book Owen is a touching storyabout a boy who wants to bring his blanket to school with him. www.kevinhenkes.com
Students ofthe Week for September:
The“Student of the Week” will be selected using ABC order by 1stname. Abhishri and Alyssa are the firstStudents of the Week. I will talk moreabout Student of the Week at Back to School Night.
Reminders:
q Homework packets aregiven out on Friday and are due the following Friday.
q Please have your childwear tennis shoes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for P.E.
q Please mark your child’sjackets, backpack, and lunch box with their name and room number. This is the best way to ensure it won’t getlost.
q If your child bringslunch money to school please make sure it is in an envelope or bag labeled withtheir name and room number. You can payfor school lunch in advance in the office and online at www.fremont.k12.ca.us.
q School is dismissed everyday at 2:30. We will be having 1:01dismissal on particular days through out the school year. Please take note of these days on the room 8and school newsletters and the school calendar.
q Birthdays are veryspecial and fun to celebrate at school. District policy states that all ediblesshared at school must be store bought. If you would like to bring a treat for yourchild’s birthday, please let me know a few days in advance so I can schedulethe time.
SpecialEvents
*September13-19 Book Fair in the Library
*September18: Back to School Night
*September25: Picture Day
*September24: 1st Library Check Out Day:
Books will be due on Wednesdays.
Back to School Night
I’mlooking forward to meeting everyone on Back to School Night. Here is a preview of some information I willbe discussing on this night. If you can’tattend I will send home all the information in the Leitch Folder:
Ø Volunteers: I have attached avolunteer sign up form to this newsletter. If you would like to volunteer to help in room 8 please fill out theform and return it to me in the Leitch Folder. I will also have a sign up sheetfor volunteers on Back to School Night.
Ø Parent TeacherCommunication:The best way to get a hold of me is through email cbaca@fremont.k12.ca.us. If you need to drop by in person I can onlytalk to parents after school and not before school. There will be parent teacher conferences inNovember. If you need to speak to me about your child’s academics before theirNovember conference, please make an appointment with me.
Ø Leitch Website: There is also a lot ofuseful information on the Leitch website which has links to my webpage and thefirst grade webpage. To access theLeitch website go to the FUSD website at www.fremont.k12.ca.usand select our school at the top of the page. I will post my newsletter on myweb page every month.
