Message

v     We had a terrific first week of school!  We spent time getting to know one another and new friendships are being made.  We are very much looking forward to this new school year, and we know it will be a great one!

v     If you haven’t already done so, please fill out and return the Family Survey form in order to assist us in the “Getting to Know You” process. We look forward to helping your child reach new heights this year in first grade. J

Curriculum

v     This week we will be working on assessing our students.  We will also be diving into our first theme, All Together Now, in Language Arts, as well as, starting chapter 1 in Math, Number Sense. We will do a short review on writing numbers to 10 and basic addition.

v     If you haven’t already started your child’s nightly reading, please begin tonight.  First graders should be reading 15-20 minutes five nights per week.  Your child should be reading books at his/her level at home.  Please read and refer to the Reading Strategies below to learn helpful hints for at-home reading.

v     All class work will come home in a Thursday Packet. This large envelope is to be returned to school the next day.

v     Homework Packets go home Mondays and are due on Fridays. J 

Please Read the Attached

Reading Strategies

1. Find a place where you can be quiet and relaxed.
2. If you are stuck on a word, first look at the picture for meaning.
3. Read to the end of the sentence and try to figure out the meaning.  Read past the word and come back.  Does it make sense?
4. Repeat the sentence before the word and make the beginning sound of the word.  See what makes sense and sounds right.
5. Chunk the word and link it together. (Chunk= Look for smaller words inside larger words; look for word families; look for compound words.)
6. Make the sounds.  Look at the beginning letter sound and make that sound.  Divide into syllables, (remember each syllable has a vowel), and sound out each syllable.
7. Ask someone for help.
8. Pick a new book.  If you get stuck on 5 or more words on one page, the book you are reading might be too hard right now for you.  Try to switch to a different book.

~If you need at-level reading books for home, please let me know and I will check those out to you.

Dates to Know

v     Labor Day, September 5^th, there is no school.

v     September 19 -22 – Parent Conference Week(modified schedule)

Contact Info

v     You can reach Mrs. Power by email at: celine.power@eusd.net

v     You can reach Mrs. Mirzaian by email at: donna.mirzaian@eusd.net

v     You can reach Mr. Garner by email at: Scott.Garner@eusd.net

v     You can reach Ms. Overlock by email at: Debra.Overlock@eusd.net

v     We are always available to talk after school. Mornings are a challenge since we have little ones. Thank you!

Kudos

v     Thank you in advance for helping to make the 2011-2012 school year a great one! J