Mary Evans Elementary | August 21, 2019

First Grade Orientation Night Oh, the places we’re going in First Grade Mary Evans Elementary | August 21, 2019

Mary Evans ElementaryMission Statement All students, with support of staff, parents, and community will be provided a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that empowers them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be lifelong learners and citizens of good character who are prepared to contribute to an ever-changing, global society.

Mary Evans Elementary Vision Mary Evans’ students will be able to think critically and creatively, solve problems, and will learn to communicate effectively. Our students will learn to work effectively as individuals and as group members, develop self-confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others, recognize the contributions of individuals, groups and cultures in society, and demonstrate civic responsibility.

Mary Evans Elementary Beliefs • We hold ourselves accountable for: • Creating a safe environment where each member is valued is paramount to establishing an exemplary school • Setting high academic and behavioral expectations yield high student achievement • Developing strong relationships, clear communication, and continuous reflection among all members of the Evans learning community is basic to the success of our school • Establishing the connections between academic objectives and real life application is fundamental in creating life learners • Accepting a role in developing citizenship in all students is essential to their life long success and the future of our country

Rider Expectations Care about others and be honest. Obey directions from teachers and adults. Respect all people and property. Keep all body parts and objects to myself. Yearn to be punctual and prepared daily.

Your First Grade Team • We are so excited to be a part of such an outstanding school. We are dedicated to the education and caring of each child at Mary Evans Elementary. • Our conference time is 8:50-9:35 AM. If you need a conference, please contact us using the information below so we can set up an appointment that is convenient for all parties. • Contact Information: • School Phone Number: 972-747-3373 • Catherine Burk ext.8260, email catherine.burk@allenisd.org • Amber Clark ext.6736, email amber.clark@allenisd.org • Mary Anne Davis ext.6779, email maryanne.davis@allenisd.org • Donna Swensonext.6748, email donna.swenson@allenisd.org • Jennifer Whitcomb ext.6760, email jennifer.whitcomb@allenisd.org

First Grade Schedule 7:45 – 7:55 Morning Routine/Announcements 7:55 – 8:50 Language Arts Block Part 1 8:50 – 9:35 Specials 9:35 – 10:40 Language Arts Block Part 2 10:40 - 11:10 Social Studies 11:10-11:15 Math Drills 11:15 – 11:45 Lunch 11:45 – 12:05 Math Block Part 1 12:05 – 12:35 Rider Time 12:35 – 1:40 Math Block Part 2 1:40 – 2:10 Recess 2:10 – 2:40 Science 2:40 – 2:50 Prepare to go home 2:55Dismissal

First Grade Curriculum • We encourage you to check out the following website for information about state and local curriculum requirements. www.tea.state.tx.us step 1- Curriculum step 2- Curriculum Standards/TEKS step 3-TEKS by grade level • Please check out our First Grade website for weekly objectives. www.allenisd.org/evanses

Language Arts Standards In first grade language arts, your child will learn to: READING • recognize the conventions of print (e.g., understand that print moves left to right, involves upper and lower case letters, and represents spoken language); • manipulate sounds in spoken words (phonemic awareness) and understand that letters represent sounds (phonics); • read and comprehend first-grade level text fluently; • use graphs, charts, signs, and captions to acquire information; • find and connect ideas and themes in different books and other printed resources; • draw conclusions from information gathered; • self-select books and stories by drawing on personal interest, relying on knowledge of authors or types of texts.

Language Arts Standards LISTENING/SPEAKING • listen to gather information, solve problems, and enjoy and appreciate literature; • present dramatic interpretations of experiences, stories, poems, and plays; • participate in group discussions; • make announcements, give directions, and make introductions appropriately. WRITING • write their own name and each letter of the alphabet; • gain increasing control of penmanship and punctuation; • compose questions, ideas, and stories; • write for different purposes, such as composing lists, letters, stories, and poems; • engage in the writing process by generating ideas before writing, developing and polishing drafts; • record or dictate questions for investigations.

Stages of Reading Development • Emergent – Students are at the beginning stage of letter/ sound relationships. They rely heavily on picture clues to problem solve and predict unknown words. • Developing – Students begin to monitor and self-correct errors that interfere with meaning. They read word by word on initial reading, but can read with fluency on familiar reading. • Transitional – Students read with fluency and use strategies to help decode unknown words. They are beginning to infer meaning and recall important details in stories. • Fluent – Students read at independent level with fluency and expression. They have a rapidly expanding vocabulary and consistently make connections.

Finding “Just Right” Books Purpose – Why do I want to read this? Interest – Does it interest me? Comprehend – Do I understand what I’m reading? Know - Do I know most of the words?

Three Ways to Read a Book One of the first concepts we teach is that there are three ways to read a book. Students are honored as learners, whatever their stage of reading development, when they understand that readers may do any of the following: • Read and talk about the pictures • Read the words • Retell a previously read book

Nightly Reading • Your child is responsible for reading each night. Rereading familiar books helps develop your child’s fluency, reading expression and comprehension. • There should be an entry in the Reading Log every night. This is an important part of your child’s learning. • Though the reading log states that only 10 minutes are expected every night, research shows that more practice spent reading helps children gain fluency, expression, and comprehension. • Other homework or special projects may be added at times. • In addition to regularly planned homework, unfinished work from the class day may be sent home on occasion.

Stages of the Writing Process • Prewriting: Planning and organizing ideas • Drafting: Getting thoughts on paper • Revising: Looking back and asking questions • Editing: Correcting errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation • Publishing: Finished piece of writing ready to share with an audience

Working With Words • Children will learn a variety of phonetic decoding strategies through the use of games, songs, poetry, word chunks, word patterns and creative processes. • Students will work with specific word patterns every week. • Students are expected to apply the information they learn about the way words work.

Social Studies Standards In first grade social studies, your child will learn to: HISTORY • identify contributions of historical figures • describe the origins of holidays, such as Veterans Day • distinguish among past, present, and future GEOGRAPHY • locate places using cardinal directions • create and use simple maps • locate community, state, and nation on maps and globes ECONOMICS • identify examples of goods and services • identify reasons for making economic choices

Social Studies Standards GOVERNMENT • explain the need for and give examples of rules and laws • identify and describe the roles of leaders in the community, state, and nation CITIZENSHIP • identify characteristics and historical figures who exemplify good citizenship • explain patriotic symbols, such as the Liberty Bell and the US flag CULTURE • describe ways that families meet basic human needs • retell stories from folktales and legends SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY • describe how technology has changed how families live and how people work

Math Standards In first grade mathematics, your child will learn to: NUMBER, OPERATION, AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING • compare and order whole numbers up to 120 • create sets of tens and ones using concrete objects • describe values of coins and their relationships • read and write numbers to 120 • separate a whole into parts and describe the parts of a set • describe the parts of a set of objects • model and write addition and subtraction sentences • learn and apply addition facts

PATTERNS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING • find patterns such as odd and even • use place value to compare and order whole numbers • identify fact families for addition and subtraction • identify, describe, and extend patterns to solve problems • skip count by twos, fives, and tens PROBLEM SOLVING • identify mathematics in everyday situations • use a problem-solving model, with guidance as needed • select or develop an appropriate problem-solving strategy • use tools to solve problems • explain and record observations using objects, words, pictures, numbers, and technology • use number chats to relate strategies to mathematical language and symbols

Math Standards GEOMETRY & SPATIAL REASONING • sort objects by attributes • identify shapes and solids • combine shapes to make a new shape MEASUREMENT • estimate and measure using nonstandard units • relate the unit to size of object • recognize reasonable temperatures • describe time on a clock (hours, half hours) • order events by length of time PROBABILITY & STATISTICS • collect and sort data • construct and draw conclusions from graphs (real, picture, and bar) • identify events as certain or impossible

Suggestions for Math Math doesn’t have to be a “paper and pencil” activity. In fact, first graders often develop a better sense of numbers and math concepts by using manipulatives (hands on). Here are some ways you can practice math through daily life skills around the house. Sort and Classify: • put away the laundry • organize dresser drawers • sort the mail Sequence: • tell the things you did , in order (for the day, for an activity, etc) • follow a recipe • talk about what happened on a tv show…first, next, last….

Suggestions for Math Count: • count orally just for fun to 120 (by ones, fives, and tens) • play board games that require counting • identify things that you find in “dozens”, fives, tens, twos, etc… Number Recognition: • play cards and Yahtzee • find page numbers in books, newspapers, and magazines Add and Subtract: • use beans, blocks or buttons to manipulate and make “story problems”… Ask “how many altogether”, “how many are left” • use activities that reinforce “putting amounts together” Example: “If everyone in the family has on two socks, how many socks are being worn altogether?”

Science Standards In first grade science, your child will learn to: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS • demonstrate safe practices during classroom and field investigations • learn how to use and conserve resources SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING • ask questions and construct reasonable explanations • explain a problem in their own words and propose a solution PROPERTIES, PATTERNS, AND SYSTEMS • identify, predict, and create patterns in charts, graphs, and numbers • know that systems have parts and are composed of organisms and objects • observe and describe the parts of plants and animals

Science Standards CHANGE • observe and record weather changes from day to day and over seasons • observe stages in the life cycle of organisms in their natural environment LIVING ORGANISMS AND NON-LIVING OBJECTS • group and compare living organisms and non-living objects BASIC NEEDS OF ORGANISMS • identify basic needs of organisms • compare the ways living organisms depend on each other PROCESSES OF THE NATURAL WORLD • describe natural sources of water, including streams, lakes, and oceans • observe and describe differences in rocks and soil samples • identify how rocks, soil, and water are used and recycled

Technology • There are several websites that we use at school that can also be accessed from home: • www.tumblebooks.com Username: evans Password: books • Overdrive E-Reader- refer to information on Evans’ Library Webpage • Additional websites may be accessed from the Evans Technology page/1st grade.

Skyward Family Access • To log into Allen ISD Skyward Family Access, use the following link: http://www.allenisd.org • School-wide activities will be located on the calendar. • This is also where you will access your student’s report cards at the end of each grading period.

Homework • Your child’s main homework is to read every night for at least 10 minutes. Please take time to read to them, with them or listen to them read independently. • Please practice each week’s spelling chunks and sight words with your child nightly. • Other homework or special projects may be added at times. • In addition to regularly planned homework, unfinished work from the class day may be sent home on occasion.

Grading First Grade focuses on the development of reading, writing and math skills. Students develop these skills at different rates. As a result, first graders do not receive typical grading marks such as A, B, C etc. The grading marks below show parents what level of mastery their child is performing at in any given area. Report Cards are sent home at the end of each nine weeks. 4. Demonstrates high achievement of grade level expectations 3. Meeting grade level expectations 2. Progressing toward grade level expectations 1. Not yet demonstrating grade level expectations

Conferences • Your child’s teacher will contact you regarding fall conferences. • If during the year you have any questions/concerns, please contact your child’s teacher. • Our daily conference time is 8:50-9:35 AM.

Wednesday School Folder • Communication between parents and school staff is key. • Wednesday is the day for our school wide communication. • All important information coming from school will be communicated in this folder. • Please remove contents, sign the folder and return it to school on Thursday.

Purple Daily Folder • Inside your child’s purple folder, you will find the school-wide behavior chart and the first grade reading log. • If your child has had a great day at school you will see a smiley face or a sticker. • If a child has not made a good choice for the day, one of the letters from CORKY will be listed on the behavior chart with an explanation. • Please initial the behavior chart and reading log daily. • You will also find work that your child has completed at school in this folder. Please remove the work and keep it at home.

Attendance Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his/her education – to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery.

Two state laws Compulsory Attendance - the required presence of school-aged children in school (unexcused days) Attendance for Credit – to receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student in grades Kinder-12th must attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered (unexcused & excused) Refer to the AISD Student Handbook, pages 32-37, for more information.

Important information • Our campus opens at 7:30 • Students must be in class at 7:45 • Kinder, 1st, 2ndand 6th grades gather in the gym • 3rd, 4th, and 5th gather in the café • Teachers pick up their students at 7:40 so all are in class by 7:45

Missing School • Please call the absence line (972) 236-0600 Ext. 3373 • Arriving Late – please park and walk your student in • Absent – notes must be received by the school within 3 days of the absence • Parent Note - Skyward is the best way to send • Doctor Note – Parent may hand deliver to receptionist when checking student back into school or parent may email Alison.Wills@allenisd.org a picture of the note • Parent and Doctor Notes – may be hand delivery by student(s) to their homeroom teacher • Parent Notes must include • Student name, date(s) of the absence, reason for the absence, parent signature (Skyward access fulfills this) • Doctor Notes must include • Student name, date of appointment, doctor signature • If student needs to be absent for more than the appointment, per doctor’s order, dates must be included on the doctor’s note.

Entering a Skyward Note • Log-in to Skyward Parent Access Portal using your parent login and password • Click on Attendance • Click on Attendance Request • Choose Add a Request • Choose All Day to report a full day absence or Uncheck All Day to enter start and end times • Fill in the Comment Section with reason for student absence • Choose Save

Change in Transportation For the safety of all our children at Mary Evans Elementary, please follow the standards listed below. • If for some reason your child will be going home a different way or with another student or parent, we must have documentation of the change in writing. • Teachers check their email or voicemail during non-instructional times. If making changes after 1:15, please contact the front office. • Thank you for helping us keep your child safe.

Clothing • Your child needs to wear athletic shoes on gym days. • Please refer to your child’s daily folder for gym schedule. • Please send your child with comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. • We will have recess outdoors all year—including the winter months. • Please consider sending a light jacket or sweater that can be kept in the room. • Please check student handbook for acceptable clothing guidelines.

Snacks • Students are allowed to bring a snack to school daily. Snack time will be around 2:10 PM. • Please send students with a healthy snack. • Please do not send a snack that needs to be eaten with a spoon/fork. • During hot weather, students are permitted to have sport-top water bottles. Only water is permitted in the classroom.

School Health Update • Please refrain from telling your student to go to the nurse and call you. • Clinic referrals are at the discretion of the teacher. • Calls home from the clinic are at the sole discretion of the nurse. • Attendance is of paramount importance unless medical treatment is required.

Birthday Invitations • Birthdays will be celebrated in your child’s classroom by passing out certificatesand pencils • Due to health concerns, we do not allow food to be distributed to our students. Thank you for your understanding. • If you would like to celebrate your student’s birthday at school, you might consider donating a book to the “Birthday Book Club” in your child’s honor to the school library. • Invitations may be passed out at school when there is one for every child in the class or one for every girl or one for every boy. • Teachers may not give out students’ personal information.

Student of the Week • Our “Student of the Week” program will begin the week of September 9th. • Your child’s teacher will send home a list of dates stating when it is your child’s turn to be the student of the week. • Please send a poster full of pictures and items that describe him/her. Send this poster on Monday of their assigned week. The poster will hang on our designated “Student of the Week” area. • In addition to bringing a poster, the “Student of the Week” may also bring in personal or family items for show and tell each day.

Volunteers We greatly appreciate all of our parent volunteers. If you are interested in participating in any school related activity, including field trips, please visit the Allen ISD website to complete an annual background check as soon as possible. This must be done each school year. Visit www.allenisd.org At the bottom of the page under Human Resources Click on “Register to be a Volunteer” Follow the link for the application Please allow 2 weeks for your application to be processed.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about your child’s day in first grade. We look forward to working with you to make this a successful year for your child. First Grade Team

Mary Evans Elementary | August 21, 2019