INFORMATION FOR FIRST GRADE
In order to facilitate a smooth transition to first grade the School Base Planning Team with the help of former first grade families, have put together some helpful information.
Please take a minute to review the information below.
1. How are the academic expectations different than in Kindergarten?
Academic expectations are established to ensure that all students will reach their full academic potential and have a successful first grade experience. Each student’s skills will be evaluated within the first few months of first grade and your child will be appropriately instructed and challenged.
2. What are the first grade homework expectations?
First grade students are expected to do a variety of homework assignments on a daily basis. Students are expected to read or to be read to for fifteen minutes each night. A monthly calendar will be coming home to you to record your child’s reading.
In addition, one weekly assignment will be coming home each Friday. This assignment should be completed with parental assistance throughout the week and returned the next Friday. These assignments are general and should be modified to meet your own child’s ability. Please feel free to extend these in any way you feel appropriate for your own child.
Students will be getting math assignments throughout the week. These assignments should be returned on the date indicated on the assignment.
Word Study homework will also be coming home and we encourage you to review the letter patterns and words throughout the week.
Parents may want to establish a special location to post homework assignments – for example: bulletin board or refrigerator, as a reminder of this work and a quiet location to work (desk) without distractions.
3. How will my child’s progress be reported?
Your child will be receiving four report cards throughout the year. These progress reports are intended to keep you informed of your child’s development. The report card envelope is signed by a parent and returned to school to indicate that you received and reviewed your child’s progress. Parents may keep the report sent to them for their own record.
4. When can I schedule a parent-teacher conference?
Teacher/Parent conference days are scheduled for two half days in the school calendar. Teachers may request a conference before, during, or after school in addition to the scheduled dates. Parents may request a conference at any time. Convenient conference times may be scheduled in advance at Parent Orientation Night in October or with a note or phone call.
5. What special classes do the children attend?
Your child will be participating in a variety of special classes throughout a six day cycle. These classes include Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education. A letter day calendar will be given to you to keep track of special classes that your child will be attending each day. Sneakers should be worn for Physical Education classes.
6. Do children have snacks in first grade?
A short snack break is part of our morning routine. Students are asked to bring in one of their own healthy snacks. Some healthy snack suggestions include yogurt, a cereal bar, applesauce, pretzels, fruits or vegetables, crackers and cheese. Please discuss with your child what his/her healthy snack is for the day.
7. How do children order milk?
Milk should be bought on a daily basis. The cost is forty-five cents and it is collected by your child’s teacher. An application for free or reduced priced milk will be sent home on the first day of school.
8. What are special lunches?
Your child will be able to purchase and enjoy special lunches sponsored by the PTSA. Each child will receive advance notification of the hot lunch opportunity and a flier to return to school in a labeled envelope prior to the deadline. Late orders are not accepted and your money will be returned.
9. What are the three components of the Brookview lunch program?
The lunch hour is split into three equal time segments. First graders will rotate among eating in the all purpose room, going outside for recess, and remaining in the classroom for relax and learn. Relax and learn provides an opportunity for children to pursue individual interest areas or to finish class work, as needed.
10. What are the social/emotional changes my child may experience?
First grade is an adjustment for children because it is a full day session and the academic demands are increased. Your child may be very tired and it will take some time to become adjusted to the longer day. Starting an earlier bedtime schedule prior to the start of school will ease the transition to the school day. The need to sustain attention and focus for longer blocks of time during the day may also cause fatigue in some children.