DEBORAH M. VEREEN, Ed.D., Principal
SHAFFER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
37 Garden Terrace Pittsburgh, PA 15221  412-371-4534
A Team Committed To Excellence
Dear Parent and Guardians,
Welcome to the Shaffer Elementary First Grade 2011-2012 school year! My name is Mrs.
Bell and I have received the proud honor of teaching your child this new school year.
 First grade is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of
learning. Throughout the year, your child will learn to read, write, add, subtract and
so very much more. I hope to make your child’s learning experience fun and exciting
and I hope to instill a love of learning that will last throughout your child’s education.
So many experiences occur in First Grade! Because of this, the year will be filled with
important transitions. It is extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on
small successes. Each child will progress at his/her own rate while developing new
skills to create a solid foundation for learning. Maintaining every child’s self-esteem
and creating a passion for learning will always remain a priority in the first grade.
Here are some ways in which you can help.
 Celebrate your child’s successes no matter how small they may appear. This will help
to keep your child focused and continue to embrace an enthusiastic and proud
approach to their work.
 Read to and with your child everyday. The more your child is exposed to language, the
easier it will become for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading, writing, listening
and speaking inside the classroom.
I look forward to working with your child and know it will be a rewarding experience for
both. The remainder of this correspondence will be to share some beliefs and classroom
policies.
Parent/ Teacher Relationships:
I believe a strong parent-teacher relationship is necessary for school success.
Throughout the school year I will communicate with you through note, telephone calls,
e-mails, progress reports and parent/ teacher conferences. I encourage you to contact
me here at Shaffer Elementary by phone (412)- 371-4535 or by e-mail bellly@whsd.net.
WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE
ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504
.
Daily Homework Folder:
 Your child will receive a daily folder sent home everyday. Any papers placed on the
“take home” side can remain at home. Any papers placed on the “bring back” side,
should be thoroughly reviewed, completed with your child, signed and returned to
school the next day.
 Homework assignments will be distributed on Monday and expected to return to the
classroom on Friday. All assignments will be developed according to skills taught in
class each week. Therefore, it is necessary for each day’s work to be completed on
the assigned day. For example, if Tuesday’s work is completed Monday, there may be
difficulty in understanding as Tuesday’s skills were not yet introduced. Homework is
necessary to complete. If your child fails to turn in the assigned work, you will be
notified.
Discipline:
Establishing good classroom discipline is essential to each child’s success, confidence and
well-being. Every child should feel that the classroom environment is safe and secure and
free from all threats of physical or emotional harm. In addition, it is very important that
each child learn to develop self-discipline and good work habits, to resolve conflicts
peacefully, and to think independently. For these reasons, the discipline plan I have
chosen has several components.
 Our classroom rules will lead each child to understanding the purpose of the rules
while developing a community within the school. We will focus on safety and respect
as well as maintaining classroom order.
1. I will raise my hand when I have something to say.
2. I will stay in my seat.
3. I will keep my hands and feet to myself.
4. I will quietly complete my work.
5. I will listen and follow directions.
 Token rewards will be given occasionally and will range from stickers, Shaffer big
bucks, positive feedback, positive notes home, even working towards popcorn parties.
Students will also work towards the special honor of having lunch with Principal, Dr.
Vereen.
Again, I look forward to a positive, rewarding school year and together helping your child
strive to reach their fullest academic and social potentials.
Yours in education,
Mrs. Bell
WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE
ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504
.
WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE
ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504
.