Welcome to Mount Wolf Elementary

1. Welcome to Mount Wolf Elementary First Grade Mrs. Wilson & Mrs. Forry

2. Welcome • Introduction • Curriculum • Discipline • Safety • Miscellaneous • Tips • Contact Information • Farewell

3. The Bobcat Way: 100% of our students will graduate and be fully prepared for a post-secondary education.

4. English Language Arts • Guided Reading: Students read books with the teacher in small groups on appropriate reading levels. Groups are flexible, meaning students can move in and out of groups as needed. • Title I: Students who struggle in the area of reading may be recommended for extra support with the Reading Specialist. This is in addition to reading with the classroom teacher. • WEB (Wonderfully Exciting Books): Most nights your child will bring home a pouch with leveled books to read to you. Most books will be new reads selected by your child while occasionally I may send books we’ve read in group. Keep in mind these books are meant to be relatively easy to build fluency and self-confidence. However, on occasion, you will have to read the book to your child. First graders should read or be read to every night. • Sight Words & Spelling: Your child will have a list of words he/she is responsible to learn to read upon sight and spell in everyday writing. Some of these words cannot be “sounded out” and simply need to be memorized and some will follow the phonetic pattern we are currently studying. Learning to read and spell these words will build fluency in both reading and writing.

5. ELA Continued… • Whole Class Instruction: Our reading series called Houghton Mifflin Journeys. Students will be engaged in whole class reading through read alouds and shared reading experiences. Reading comprehension skills, practice with fluency, grammar, phonics (learning to read/spell by studying sounds and patterns in words), as well as writing will be explicitly taught in a whole class setting. All skills are reinforced in small group reading.

6. Math Curriculum • Everyday Math: Our district’s math program. • Home Links: Math homework that is sent home most nights (although we try to refrain from Fridays and holidays when possible). It is expected that you sit with your child to assist with homework, providing support and extra problems to practice as needed. These Home Links are due back the next school day.

7. Positive Action A new district-wide program aimed to develop self-concept. Themes include: • Philosophy and Thoughts-Actions-Feeling circle • Physical and Intellectual Positive Actions • Managing Yourself Using Social and Emotional Positive Actions • Getting Along with Others Using Social and Emotional Positive Actions • Telling Yourself the Truth Using Social and Emotional Positive Actions • Improving Yourself Continually Using Social and Emotional Positive Actions • Review of the Positive Actions to Feel Good About Yourself

8. A Day in the Life of a Typical First Grader • Arrival • WIN • ELA (read aloud, shared, reading, phonics, grammar, writing) • Special/Snack • Guided Reading (including centers) • Recess/Lunch • Continued ELA (including Integrated Science and Social Studies) • Math • Special/Break • Dismissal

9. Grading & Reporting • Grades • Report Card: • First grade writing is not graded the first marking period. • The DRA 2 will be administered after the 2nd and 4th marking periods. • Conferences: Available after the 1st and 2nd marking periods. • M~ Met Standard • NM~Not Yet Met Standard • NA~Not Assessed

10. Don’t Let the Sun Set On Your Fun! District-Wide Positive Behavior Framework T.R.A.C.K.S Rules/Expectations: T = Take responsibility for what you say and do R = Respect self, others, and property A = Act safely and cooperatively C = Come ready to learn K = Keep hands and feet to yourself S = Solve problems peacefully With T.R.A.C.K.S. students move up and down on a continuum based on their individual behavioral choices. Students will be given T.R.A.C.K.S. cards to be punched when they end the day on Orange or Green. As their cards are completely punched with six punches, they can “cash” their cards in for prizes at the T.R.A.C.K.S. store.

11. Fire Drills • A.L.I.C.E. • Adults Who Enter – Must show ID when picking up children. Volunteers must have clearances and be School Board approved.

12. Miscellaneous Snack – Students may bring a healthy snack to school each day. Please reinforce the notion that, while sharing is usually praised, for food allergy reasons snack cannot be shared. Book Orders – Scholastic book orders may come home ok periodically. This is a great place to purchase appropriately leveled reading material for your child inexpensively. You can even place online orders. Birthday Baskets

13. Communication Newsletters, class memos, reminders, etc. will be emailed as often as possible. It would be a good practice to check your email a daily to be sure you don’t miss any important communication from us or the school. Be sure to include your most frequently checked email on the Student Information Card. We will send out a test email in the next week or so to ensure we have correct email addresses entered. Please check your email for that test and send a simple reply so we know you have received the email. Those who may not have email accessibility will receive paper copies. Follow Mt. Wolf First Grade on Twitter at @MWfirstgrade to see all the wonderful things your child is a part of here at our school!

14. Volunteering • District’s Volunteer Policy Clearances and School Board approval are required to volunteer in the classroom and special school and PTO sponsored events. This includes chaperoning field trips. Securing clearances and board approval takes time so please start the process ASAP if you’re willing and able! • Be a Helping Hand! Keep an eye on our monthly newsletters for other classroom supplies/materials requests. Thank you in advance for your generous donations!

15. Tips in Helping Your First Grader • Choose a quiet area for reading and doing homework. • Be relaxed and positive with your child when mistakes are made. • Ensure your child has a regular bedtime to get plenty of rest. It tends to be a long day. • Remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. • Encourage your child to read daily—both with you and independently. • Ask thinking questions before, during, and after reading to help with comprehension. • Give your child opportunities for many experiences. • Be positive and encouraging. REMEMBER– First grade can be challenging at times. Children need confidence and practice as they develop new skills.

16. First Grade Contact Information School Telephone- (717)266-6570 Email Address- forrym@nebobcats.org wilsont@nebobacts.org

17. Q & A Question and Answers (Hopefully )

18. Thank you for coming and being a part of this team… It's been a pleasure meeting you!