All children learn at their own rate, acquiring skills as they are developmentally ready. Remember when your child was learning to walk? They started walking when they were ready. You were there to support them and to celebrate their accomplishment. Your support is just as important now as your child learns more about reading, writing, math, and the world around them. It is important for your child to know that we are working together to help them learn as much as possible. Staying involved in your child's education is the key to a successful year!
A Take-Home folder is sent home every day. There is a behavior calendar that stays in the folder so that you will know how your child is doing every day. The folder may contain important information, announcements, or completed work. It is very important that your child brings this folder back to school each day. You may send notes, lunch money, and other information back to me in the folder. This will help to create a routine and continue the communication between home and school. Please make sure that the folder is returned to school every day and that you check it each night.
Discipline: Students know the class and school rules and procedures. They are expected to follow them. In our classroom, each student has 5 colored cards (purple, green, yellow, orange, and red). A student begins the day on green. If they do a really great job or show wonderful manners, they change their card to purple. If a rule is broken, a verbal warning is given. If it continues, a card is changed to yellow and “think time” is given in the room. If it continues, an orange card is turned and “think time” is given in another room. If the problems continue, the red card is turned and an office referral will occur. If there is a problem, there will be a note on the calendar (in their green folder) with a brief description of the problem.
Sitton Spelling emphasizes the development of lifelong spelling and writing skills. The focus is placed on the individual student and his or her spelling needs in daily writing. There is no weekly spelling list. Take Home Tasks will be sent home regularly. They are skill-building activity sheets for you and your child to do together. These tasks will complement the skills we’re working on at school. First grade students are introduced to the first 35 core words of the Sitton Spelling program through a variety of word building skills and activities. Words 1-15 are high-priority or no-excuse words which students must spell and use correctly 100% of the time by the end of first grade.
Read to and with your child every day, if possible. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for them to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom.
Please take time to read the student handbook. You will find general information about Springville Elementary, health rules and medical policies, safety rules and guidelines, discipline policies, and other helpful information. When parents understand the expectations of the school, they are able to support and encourage academic success in the education of their child.
Celebrate your child's successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help your child be enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!