Mrs. Sheehan's First Grade
I am looking forward to another great year!

A Look Inside First Grade

BASIC GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR 1st GRADE

This year students continue to build a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, problem solving skills, and independence.

This year we also work on improving organizational skills and study habits.

The teacher helps to create a goal orientated classroom in which the individual is celebrated and excellence is inspired.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

  MORNING MEETINGS

Character education is an integral part of 1st grade and the Lower School. The School utilizes the Hazelden No Bullying Program.   It is taught with efforts to make students aware of the damaging effects of bullying behaviors, including teasing and exclusion from play. Children are taught that these behaviors will not be tolerated. Every Monday, the whole Lower School meets together in the library to promote a sense of community, to discuss our social skills, and to give out "Way to Go" certificates that celebrate good behavioral choices.

 As a first grade class we sit together for individual class meetings in our own room as well Tuesday through Friday to gain a sense of community, responsibility and caring for others within the classroom.  At these meetings we share compliments or important personal stories, and often times have a student and teacher created agenda that addresses the concerns of students in the classroom.

 SPECIAL CLASSES

Specials classes include French, art, music, chorus, physical education, computer, and library.

COMMUNICATION & REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS 

A home-school connection is vital to a successful school year.  To keep open lines each student has their own homework folder.  The purpose of this folder is to foster communication.  It is expected that parents check the folder each day for any notes, flyers, homework, etc. that might be going home.  In the same manner it serves as a communication from the home to the school and/or teacher.  A weekly newsletter is sent home at the end of each week.  It gives a summary of the week's activities and upcoming school/class events.  Parent Teacher Conferences are held twice a year, in November and February.  At these conferences we will discuss your child’s progress, attitude, effort and written and verbal performance.  Progress reports are written in November, February and May.  Additional conferences may be called as needed by the parent/guardian or the teacher.  Teachers can be reached before or after school at pick-up, by telephone or e-mail.  

 ARRIVAL TIME

The school day runs from 8:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Please arrive at school prior to 8:25 a.m. each morning.  This gives your child enough time to hang up his/her jacket properly in the hall, turn in last night’s homework, and go to the bathroom before the school day starts.  Students can arrive in the classroom as early as 8:15 A.M. Morning E.D.P. is available beginning at 7:30 a.m.

  HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned Mondays-Thursdays beginning after mini-school night.  Every afternoon each child writes down his/her homework on his/her weekly homework sheet and places it in his/her homework folder.  This paper stays in the homework folder and travels back and forth to school each day.  New homework sheets are given out at the beginning of each week.   An average homework assignment typically takes 5-10 minutes plus an additional 10-20 minutes of nightly reading.  First grade homework is designed to enhance the curriculum and encourage responsibility.

  VOLUNTEERING

There are opportunities throughout the school year to volunteer in or out of the classroom.  Such opportunities may include Junior Great Books, field trips, book fair, auction, family night, special projects, specially themed days, etc.  Often times when opportunities to volunteer arise these will be coordinated through our Parent Ambassador.

 FIELD TRIPS

Field trips will be taken throughout the school year as a means of extending the curriculum in the classroom.  One to two chaperones are invited on each field trip.  Notes are sent home prior to any field trip the first grade takes.  If you would like to chaperone or have an idea for a field trip please send in a note or email me. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special events take place throughout the year.  A few include Grandparents’ Day visit, Theme Week, Winter Program, Palio, Lower School Musical, Pumpking Carving Night, Family Fun Night, Authors Day and Showcase/Culmination Night.

Class Schedule

Apple Tree Information

School Supply List

Photo Gallery

Online Timer

Spelling Test Helper

Math Cafe

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