All About First Grade
Mrs. Buzzard, Room 143
DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00-9:10 Settle in, daily routines, independent reading, and/or morning work
9:10-11:45 Language Arts Block (reading and writing workshops, word work)
11:45-12:30 Lunch and Recess
12:30-12:50 Read Aloud
12:50-2:00 Math
2:00-2:45 Related Arts (Library, Music, PE, Art)
2:45-3:25 Science/Social Studies/Health
3:25-3:35 Pack Up, End of Day Jobs
3:35-3:40 Dismissal
PROGRESS REPORTS
Three marks are used:
AC Achieving the standard
PR Progressing toward the standard
LP Limited progress toward the standard
A progress report (report card) will be sent home at the end of each of the three 12 week grading periods.
GRADED WORK
Most homework and class work will be checked over without formal grades. Work that was rushed, incomplete, or that indicates
your child needs more practice will be sent home to correct/finish and return. Please help your child correct and complete these
specific papers.
PROGRESS BOOK
On-going communication with regard to student achievement can be accessed at your convenience via Progress Book.
CONFERENCES
First trimester conferences dates are set for October 15th & 23rd. Please see sign-up sheet.
ENGLISH, LANGUAGE ARTS AND LITERACY
The Language Arts Program is based on the Ohio Academic Standards. It is designed to meet a variety of learning styles and
reading/writing levels. In both reading and writing workshop models we use an extensive collection of literature in multiple copies,
numerous big books, miniature books, poems, and student-made books. Students will be reading, writing and working with words
individually, in pairs, in small groups, and in whole class situations. Skills, such as phonics, will be taught through games, word
work, writing, poetry, group writing, etc. Writing instruction will also focus on narrative, opinion and informative/explanatory writing.
A way to strengthen the reading program at home is by reading to your child and your child reading to you every night.
MATHEMATICS
The Math Program is based on the Ohio Academic Standards. The instructional philosophy includes effective differentiation
strategies and resources for all levels of learners. To implement the program we will be using a variety of resources and the math
workshop model. We will focus on solving rich open-ended problems. Students will use a numerous strategies and tools to show
their thinking in their math journals and during classroom discussions and activities. The four core areas of focus are operations &
algebraic thinking, number & operations in base ten, measurement & data, and geometry.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Our focus for Social Studies is Families Now and Long Ago, Near and Far. Many of our Social Studies units of study will be
integrated into our Language Arts activities. We will use many resources including a variety of books, Time for Kids news
magazine, online resources, and Social Studies Alive.
HEALTH
Mr. Andrew Phillips, our guidance counselor, will be presenting three health units to the classroom. He will be discussing healthy
choices, friendship, and personal safety.
SCIENCE
Our theme for Science is Observations of the Environment. We will be using different resources including the Harcourt science
series. A variety of science instructional methods, including inquiry-based learning experiences, will help students to extend their
learning into a larger scientific community through the application and expansion of scientific knowledge. The units of study will
incorporate Earth and Space science, Life science, and Physical science.
Share Homework
Throughout the year (once a trimester) students will work on projects at home that they will share in class. The sharing dates and
themes will be sent home and also posted on my teacher web page. Please help your child to remember his/her share and allow
him/her to practice the “presentation” at home. I look to see if your child is prepared, speaking clearly and gaining the selfconfidence that he/she needs to speak in public. Most importantly, enjoy the time spent with your child in preparing the sharing
project. I will send home a share reminder closer to date.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays are very special occasions, especially for young children.  However, with the growing number of food allergies,
we will no longer allow food items to be given as a birthday treat. If you wish, please feel free to send in a simple goodie bag,
containing items such as: stickers, tattoos, pencils and other non-food items. Other ideas are to have your child share a book to
the class, or donate a book or recess game to the class. Thank you for understanding!
DAILY FOLDERS
Look for your child’s daily work to come home in a folder every day. Assist your child in completing any work and return the folder
the next school day. Returning the folder is imperative in maintaining our channel of communication.
SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
One week during the school year your child will be selected to be in the spotlight. A note will come home the Friday before it is
your child’s week explaining what to bring in to share with the class. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and learn more about
everyone in our class!
PARENT INFORMATION
Once a month I will be posting a class newsletter on my teacher web page found on the IRE website. Frequently, I will also be
emailing information you need to know and additional dates to mark on the calendar. Mrs. Schwanke will also post a monthly
newsletter highlighting important school news on the IRE website.
CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS
All IRE volunteers are required to have a background check through fingerprinting at Central Office in order to work with students.
Fingerprinting can be done on Wednesdays. Central Office is located at 7030 Coffman Road. Once your fingerprinting has been
approved, confirmation will be sent to our principal, Mrs. Rinefierd. After that, when you arrive to volunteer, you will need a photo
id (driver’s license) in order to create your volunteer nametag. If you completed this process during the 2013-2014 school year,
you will not need to redo the process. Background checks are good for five year. If you have any questions, please let me know.
STUDENT ABSENCE
If your child is going to be absent from school, please notify the office (614-764-5928) before or on the day of the absence. Also,
upon your child’s return to school, please send a note regarding your child’s absence. Thank you!
CONTACTING ME
Email is one of the best ways to communicate with me. I attempt to answer all emails quickly, but most responses will occur after
the school day has ended. If there is an immediate need, please contact the office @ 614-764-5928. Please know that phone calls
during the school day will be directed to my voicemail so as to not interrupt our school learning. I will check my voicemail by the
end of the school day. buzzard_jill@dublinschools.net You can follow me on twitter @Mrs_Buzzard