Dear Parents and
Guardians,
I want to
welcome you to a fun and exciting first grade year! I have compiled some
reminders and notes to help you understand our classroom and procedures.
Please read through the packet and if you have any questions feel free to call,
email, or send a note.
Daily Folders
Every day your
child will bring home his/her take home folder. In the folder you will
find two sides. “Leave at home” and “Return to school”. Please go through
the folder each night with your child and remove anything that does not
need to be returned to school. Folders are an ideal place for notes or
lunch money etc. since I check them daily.
Website
We currently
have a class website that can be visited daily.
I will try to update it as often as possible with new work we are doing
in class, as well as ways you can help your child extend their learning. www.raesmountsclass.blogspot.com
Spelling Words
Spelling words
will begin the first full week of school. Seven to eight new words will be
introduced each week. These are high frequency words or words that are
found often in text. They are often words that have no spelling pattern
and are difficult or impossible to sound out. Word wall words will be
placed on the Word Wall on Fridays. After words are on the word wall,
children will have access to the words daily and be responsible for spelling
them correctly during daily writing activities. New words will be
introduced in class each week. It is important to study these words with
your child weekly. Your child will be responsible for knowing 250 words
by the end of first grade. Spelling words will also be placed in an online
site called www.spellingcity.com, here you will find the weekly words and can play games using the current
weeks words.
Behavior
In our classroom
we will focus on three main behaviors. Be Nice, Be Safe and Work Hard. We
use an online behavior management system called Class Dojo. I will be
sending home information on how you can see your child's results for each day.
Homework
Please read at
home with your child EVERY night! This will begin when we start our
take-home reading program. Other homework assignments may be sent home
randomly throughout the year.
Birthdays
Birthday invitations
may only be distributed in the class if EVERY CHILD in the class is being
invited. If you would like to send treats you may, but no home baked
goods are allowed. If you send cupcakes or anything that is not
individually packaged, please be sure to send napkins or plates.
Personal Items
Please do not
allow your child to bring toys, talking watches, candies, or gum to
school. These items can easily be a distraction. I will collect
these items and return them at the end of the school year unless special
permission has been given.
How You Can Help
Take time to
praise your child for their work and effort at school. Look at and talk
to them daily about their work and art projects.
Communication
I consider the
parent the most important partner in a child’s education. Your attitude
and perception of school influence your child’s attitude and perception about
school. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. If
you have any questions, suggestions or concerns please feel free to call me at
school 816-413-4643. Be sure to leave a message and the day and time of
your call. I can also be reached through email at tara.mounts@nkcschools.org.
Communication is key to building good relationships. I look forward to
working with you and your child this year. 
