Amy Reese

SCIENCE, HEALTH, SOCIAL STUDIES

Topics in these content areas will be integrated into language arts.  As we enter each unit of study, more detailed information will be sent home.  The following are some of the basic areas of study:

*Self Esteem

*Appreciation of Differences

*Family

*Nutrition

*Plants and Animals

*Life Cycles

LISTENING

Listening skills will be taught and practiced in a variety of situations to help students in the following ways:
1. Learn to follow directions.

2. Learn to work cooperatively with others.

3. Learn to appreciate other people’s ideas.

SPELLING

Although “best guess” spelling will be encouraged in daily writings, a formal spelling program will begin around January.  Specific information will be given about this program at that time.

MUSIC, P.E., AND LIBRARY

We have wonderful specialists in these areas that do great things with the children.  We are fortunate to have these people working with your children.

HOMEWORK

Homework is fairly minimal in the first grade.  As a team, we decided to send home one assignment each week.  It will appear in Tuesday’s newsletter, and usually be due on Friday.  We will begin our “Book-it” program soon, which will require reading nightly.

BIRTHDAYS

Celebrating a birthday is one way to make a child feel special.  If you would like to bring treats in celebrations, just let me know a couple days ahead of time.  You can come to celebrate if you are able, drop treats off before school, or send them with your child.  Around 10:15 am is the best time, because then they go right out to recess!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME

As your child’s teacher, I will nurture and encourage each child so that they develop as a WHOLE child.  This means social, emotional, and academic growth and success.  As a teacher, I believe that it is my role to know my student’s needs and the ways in which we learn.  We are all different, and none of us learn in exactly the same way.  It is my responsibility to promote each child’s unique personality and talents so that they will see themselves as special, valuable human beings who care about others.  It is also my responsibility to be a caring, positive role model and encourage each little step we take.  I am committed to creating a positive, loving and caring environment; where it is o.k. to make mistakes, where we learn for each other, and we help one another.  I try to live and teach by the old golden rule—treat others the way that you want to be treated.  I am always available to help you and your child.  I encourage your notes and phone calls and love the support in the classroom.  This is not my classroom—it belongs to ALL of us—the children, the parents and myself.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM MY STUDENTS
Just as I have high expectations of myself, I also have high expectations of my students.  I encourage the children to take risks and make mistakes—it’s a learning process.  I do not expect perfection—nobody’s perfect.  J  In order for successful learning in the classroom, your child must:

*Do his/her best.  Your child is responsible for putting out his/her best effort to succeed.

* Be a good listener.

* Know the assignments and what is expected.

* Respect others.  We are kind, considerate, helpful and friendly.  We are all responsible for creating a safe, non-threatening environment in which EVERYONE can learn.

* We give “put-ups”—never “put-downs”.

Good choices are reinforced by good consequences.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM THE PARENTS
* To be excited by each small step taken by your child.

* To go over your child’s work at home; offer praise for work well done, and help in areas of need.

* To make use of home tutoring tips, and materials given (i.e. flash cards)

* To read to your child everyday.

* Listen to your child read everyday.

* Respond quickly to correspondence from school.

* Let me know of anything that may affect your child’s school performance.

DAILY SCHEDULE

8:45                       Day Begins

8:45-9:00               Entry Task

                             Attendance

                             Lunch Count

                             Pledge of Allegiance

9:05-10:30             Reading/Writing/Literature

10:25-10:40            Recess

10:45-12:00            Calendar Time/Math Investigations

12:00-1:00             Lunch/Recess

1:00-2:10               Specialists/Social Studies/Science/Art

2:10-2:25               Recess

2:25-3:15               Specialists/Social Studies/Science/Art

3:15                       Day Ends

PLEASE REMEMBER…

…to keep in touch with me and continue to provide the home support that will make this school year rewarding for your child.

If you need to reach me to discuss anything, these are my numbers:

Class           360-563-4398

Office                   360-563-4375

Fax              360-563-4378

Cell             206-818-5664 (for emergencies)

Email: amy.resse@sno.wednet.edu

I really appreciate your support!