ABCs of First Grade

Absences-Excessive absences hinder a child’s progress. If your child is absent, you must send a note to the school when he/she returns. Please include your child’s name, teacher’s name, date of absence, and the reason for the absence. These notes are kept in the student’s permanent folder in the office.

Attendance-Regular school attendance is essential for your child to make the most of his/her education. Please make every effort to have your child at school everyday.

Assessment-We use several instruments to assess students in first grade. Some of these assessments are: PAST, Phonics, BEAR, SRI, MST, PAS, T-Pro and DRA. These will all be explained at the open house.

Arrival-Your child should be at school no later then 7:45am. We take attendance at 8:00am and any student walking into the classroom after 7:45am will be considered tardy and or absent.

Bus-Students are eligible to ride the bus if you live two miles from school. Bus registration forms must be filled out completely and signed by the parents. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE REGISTERED TO RIDE THE BUS. Riding the school bus is a privilege and improper behavior will not be tolerated.

Birthdays-Birthdays are very important to children. If you would like to bring treats for the class on your child’s birthday, make sure they are individual. Please do not send birthday invitations to school to be passed out.

Book Orders-I will send home Scholastic book orders each month for you and your child to look over. Please look at the BOOK ORDERS page to learn more about it.

Backpacks-Your child’s backpack should be big enough to hold a three ring notebook. Backpacks help your child carry folders, notes, projects, and books to and from school. Please check your child’s backpack DAILY. Rolling backpacks do not fit in our cubbies, and some students aren't safe with them so please do NOT purchase backpacks with wheels.

Book It-The Pizza Hut Book-It program begins in October and ends in March. Your child must read at least 300 minutes in a month to earn a free pizza. A letter will be sent out in October explaining the program.

Breakfast-Breakfast is available daily in the cafeteria.

Clothing-Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for 2/3 grade. It is a good idea to label all coats and sweaters.

Conferences- It is mandatory in Fayette County to have two parent-teacher conferences a year. However if needed I will be scheduling several conferences throughout the school year. If you feel the need to contact me at any time, please call the school, send a note, or email me to make arrangements for scheduling a conference.

Computers-We have four computers in our classroom. Your child will be taught the proper way to use a computer and then be taught to use the educational software in our classroom.

Calendar- Please check the calendar on our website frequently for updates about what is coming up.

Classroom Website- Our class has a classroom website. We can be found at http://staff.fcps.net/jmhurst/ Please tell all of your family and friends so that they can see what we are doing in class.

Communication- Communication between home and school is very important. If you feel the need to talk to me, please call the school, send me a note, or email me. I will always attempt to contact you back within a 24 hour period.

Dress Code-Students should be dressed in accordance to the Liberty Elementary dress code.

Dismissal-Dismissal is at 2:35 P.M. Please do not come to the classroom to pick your child up. If your child needs to go home a different way then they usually do I need a written and signed note by the parent for me to be allowed to do this. If I do not receive a WRITTEN note (it can't be a phone call) your child will go home the usual way he/she usually does.

Email-I can be reached by email at my school address jennifer.hurst@fayette.kyschools.us or our classroom website address http://staff.fcps.net/jmhurst/.

Emergency Cards-Your child will have an emergency card on file in the office. At least two working phone numbers are required in order to contact parents in case of illness or emergency. Only the person's on the card will be allowed to pick your child up from school if an illness occurs.

Field Trips-We take several educational field trips during the year. A permission slip will be required anytime that we will be taking a bus for a field trip. If we do not receive a permission slip, your child will not be allowed to go with the class. If you plan to volunteer during the 2008-2009 school year, you need to fill out an online application for a background check before you participate. Volunteer Form

Fire Drills-Your child will participate in frequent fire drills throughout the year. We will practice the procedures before our first fire drill so that your child will be prepared.

Fund Raisers-Our school participates in several fund raisers throughout the year to raise money for various things for our school. We hope that everyone can participate, but it is not required.

Guidance-Our school counselor will conduct classroom guidance in a whole group format as well as individual if needed. Please contact me immediately if you see any need for this at home.

Homework-Your child will be receiving a homework packet every Monday. This is due the last day of the week which will usually be on Fridays. Please help your child to space out their homework so they are not overwhelmed on Thursday night.

Immunizations-All students must be immunized against certain diseases or must present a statement that the student should not be immunized. Proof of immunizations must be presented to the school within 30 days of enrollment.

Illness-Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a temperature. If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come and get your child. We need at least two working phone numbers at all times in order to contact you in case of illness or emergency.

Internet Projects-We will participate in several Internet projects during the year. I will inform you of the specific projects throughout the year in my weekly newsletters.

Journal Writing-We will be doing a lot of writing in 3rd grade. Look for your child's reading response journal to start coming home the third to forth week of school. Your child will be assigned a day to have their response written to me so I can respond back.

Library-We have a scheduled library time every week. Our day is every Monday. Please make sure that these books get back to school on time.

Lunch-The cost of lunch is $1.25 and $0.40 for reduced lunch. If you would like to purchase a lunch and eat with your child, the cost is $3.00. You are welcome to come and eat with your child or bring a lunch to him/her. Please sign in at the office and wait for us in the cafeteria.

Literacy Centers-We use literacy centers in the classroom to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. Students are in literacy centers when I am meeting with my guided reading groups. This page explains my literacy centers:

Math - Your child will be pre and post tested on the specific material being taught to check for understanding and mastery. Math is a tested area for 3rd grade so a lot of emphasis is on math. Please make sure you are working on math skills at home!

Newsletter-A weekly newsletter will be sent home each Friday. It will contain information about our thematic unit, classroom activities, announcements, and upcoming school events. Here are my weekly newsletters: http://staff.fcps.net/jmhurst/Newsletter.htm

Outside-Your child will have outside time daily, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather.

Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence-Each morning we will recite the pledge of allegiance.

Physical Education-We have a scheduled 30 minute Physical Education class.

Parent Involvement-We love Parent Involvement! Please be involved in your child’s first grade year as much as you can. If you plan to volunteer during the 2008-2009 school year, you need to fill out an online application for a background check before you participate. Volunteer Form

Parties-We will have two parties throughout the year. Our room parent will contact you to help with our celebrations.

PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)-All parents are encouraged to join the school’s PTA. We LOVE our PTA!

Questions-Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. I will make every effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.

Report Cards-We are on a six-week grading period. Your child will receive a report card each six-weeks. Our first conference will be before the first report card goes home to we can sit down and explain the report card as well as the strengths and weaknesses of your child.

Recess-Your child will have recess everyday.

Room Parents-If you would like to be a room parent, please let me know.

Read-Read to your child daily and let your children see you reading daily.

Restrooms- We will take bath breaks especially in the beginning of the school year but unfortunately accidents will happen and we will make sure that your child is sent to the nurse’s clinic for a change of clothes.

Safety-Your child’s safety is top priority. I take every precaution when your child is in my care.

Snacks- We will not have a daily snack schedule. If you would like to send in snacks please only send healthy snacks. Some examples are: Goldfish, animal crackers, and cheese crackers.

School Supplies-You can find our school supply list here...Supply List Sometimes we run out of certain items and I may ask you to replace supplies during the year.

Schedule-This is our schedule:

Shoes-It is very important to wear comfortable shoes. Students must have on closed toed shoes.

Transportation-If your child will be going home a different way than what I have in my files, you MUST send me a note. I will not let your child go with another adult or a different way unless you have notified me.

Tardies-Students late to school (after 7:45 A.M.) are considered tardy. I keep a record of these tardies and will document them on your child’s report card.

Toys-Toys from home are not allowed unless they are brought for Show and Tell or Super Star activities.

Units and Themes-These are the units and themes that we will study this year:

http://staff.fcps.net/jmhurst/Themes%20and%20Units.htm

Visitors-We encourage visitors in our classroom. Please make sure that you sign in at the office before you come to the classroom. I will be looking for your sticker when you enter the classroom.

Volunteers-We always need volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please contact me or the office staff. We would love to have you! If you plan to volunteer during the 2008-2009 school year, you need to fill out an online application for a background check before you participate. Volunteer Form https://webapps.fcps.net/volunteer/

Webpage- If you like to see anything specific on the webpage please email me and I will do my best to work on your request promptly.

Yearbook-You will have a chance to buy a yearbook in the spring.

ZZZZ’s-Your child should get plenty of rest each night. First Grade students require 10-12 hours of sleep a day. It is so important for your child to be alert and ready to learn each day. Set a bedtime and be consistent.