DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) A first grader is
expected to be on a DRA Level 16 by May with a fluency of 60
words per minute and adequate comprehension.
Email- My school email address is
Tamara.Majors@gpisd.org I check email daily. If you have an
email address that you’d like me to be aware of, please let me
know.
ABSENT- If your child is absent, please call the
school at (972-262-5000) or email me to let me know, if you are
not able to call, a note stating the reason for the absence must
be brought to school to avoid an unexcused absence.
Breakfast in the Classroom is served everyday in
our classroom from 8:00 – 8:20.
BIRTHDAYS -You can send cupcakes/cookies for the class. We
ask that you send them first thing in the morning and that they
are in individual baggies so we can pass them out easily. We ask
that classroom birthday celebrations be limited to STORE
BOUGHT treats only (no cakes, ice cream, etc.). If you are
planning a party, we will pass out invitations only if you send one
for each student in the class.
Communication is important. Feel free to contact me
whenever you have a question, comment, or concern. You can
reach me by phone (972-262-5000) in person, by email
(Tamara.Majors@gpisd.org), or by note.
Dismissal– First Grade is dismissed at 3:20. We will
walk the students out the front doors and wait out front for
parents. If your child is in daycare, they will be escorted to
where they need to be. If your child has an older sibling, you
will need to pick up your first grader first and then drive
around to the side of the building to pick up your older child.
Students not picked up by 3:30 will be waiting for you in the
cafeteria, and you will have to come inside the building and sign
them out from the office.
Dress Code – Make sure that your child is following the
GPISD and Garner dress codes as stated in the student
handbook, NO letters or numbers and tennis shoes every
day.
FIELD TRIPS -Information about field trips will
come home in the PIRATE binder and will be detailed in the
field trip permission slip.
Fine Arts this year will include music, art, drama, dance, and
orchestra!
Fluency helps us to read faster. A 1st grader must be reading 60
words per minute at the end of 1st grade.
Guidance- Our school counselor, Mrs. Warneke, will
teach us Character Counts and help us with PBS (Positive
Behavior Support) .
HOMEWORK -Students will have homework in 1st
Grade. Homework assignments will vary and will be sent home in
the PIRATE binder. Unless otherwise noted, please return the
homework by Friday.
Independence is a goal for students because it builds
self-esteem and self-confidence. 1st Graders are very capable
of doing many things on their own and I encourage them to do
as much as they can for themselves in the classroom. Please
work on the following self-help skills at home with your child:
zipping, tying, dressing, etc.
Ill- It is important to keep your child home if he or she is ill.
This helps to make him or her more comfortable, and prevents
others from becoming ill. Students must be fever free for
24 hours before returning to school. Please refer to the
medication policy in the student handbook.
Journal- Your student will grow as a writer as we use
our journals on a daily basis. As the children are exposed to a
variety of phonics and reading experiences, journal entries will
move from drawings and “inventive” spellings towards more
conventional writing. Encourage your child to write at home for
a variety of purposes.
Jewelry Please do not let your child wear elaborate jewelry
to school. These things distract from your child’s learning,
and the learning of the other students in the room.
Kindness- Students in our classroom are encouraged
and expected to treat all members of our class, as well as
others, with kindness and respect. Bothering others, bullying,
and interrupting learning will not be permitted.
PIRATE Binders- help keep us organized. The 3ringed binder houses homework, take home papers, and other
items that assist with communication between home and school.
Parent Involvement- Your support of school activities makes
your child feel important and sends the message that you value
school! We are always happy to have your help for activities in
the classroom. Parent volunteers must complete a background
check found on the GPISD website. More information about
parent volunteers will be sent home in the coming weeks. I
could also use help during the day with copies or things of that
nature.
Perfect Attendance- Perfect attendance is NO tardies AND
NO absences
PE – In order to participate in P.E., your child must be wearing
tennis shoes.
PTA – Please join PTA to support our school.
Lunch-Our class eats lunch at 11:35-12:05. If lunch
money is sent to school, please send it in the PIRATE binder.
There is a pencil pocket pouch for this purpose that is located
in the front of the PIRATE book.
MATH-The 1st Grade math curriculum provides
students with mathematical experiences that help them develop
number sense and a positive attitude towards mathematics that
will continue throughout their school career and lives. Math
concepts are covered through our daily calendar and math
workshop routine.
NEED HELP?-Please feel free to ask for clarification
if you do not understand something. I am more than happy to
help.
Outside -Our outside recess time is from 11:05-11:35
each day (unless it is a red ozone day, raining, or extremely
cold). Please keep this in mind when helping your child select
clothing for the day. Tennis shoes are required at GFAA! In
the winter, please be sure to send your child with a coat/jacket.
Questions? Please feel free to call, email, or send a
note. Tamara.Majors@gpisd.org, 972-262-5000
Report Cards –Report cards are on a 9 week
schedule. Report cards and progress reports are online this
year.
Reading First graders should read 20 minutes every night. It
is very important that they hold on to their reading log in their
PIRATE binder. Practicing every day is imperative for their
achievement and preparation for 2nd grade.
Retell – Please make sure your child can retell the story from
beginning to end. They need to use the words in the story and
include as much details as they can.
SCIENCE-The focus of the 1st Grade science
curriculum is on developing an awareness of the world in which
we live. Science concepts and skills will be explored utilizing a
literacy based, hands-on approach.
SOCIAL STUDIES- The 1st Grade social studies curriculum
focuses on the students and how they relate to others in their
families, classroom, school, and community. Social Studies
concepts and skills will be explored utilizing a literacy based,
hands-on approach.
Transportation- If your child has any changes in
their transportation please let me know in writing prior to, or
the day of, the transportation change. Calling the office is the
best method for letting me know about last minute
transportation changes.
Unique- Each student in my classroom is unique, and I
will strive to appreciate and encourage that uniqueness.
Visitors/Volunteers– Garner has a policy that all
guests (including familiar faces) are required to check in at the
school office. It is important to remember that while this may
inconvenience frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility
of the school to create a safe learning environment. If you
would like to volunteer in the classroom, please fill out the
criminal background check online at
http://gpisd.schoolwires.net/Page/1956
Wish List- Throughout the year we occasionally need
supplies above and beyond our classroom materials. I may send
some written requests of these needs. Extra items that you
think we might be able to use are always welcome!
Water Bottles—Your child may bring a water bottle to drink
during the day. Please make sure that it is NOT the colored
flavored water. Please be sure that it has a lid that is easy to
shut so it will avoid spilling.
Website- Check out our website for information about
activities at our school. http://www.gpisd.org/garner You can
also check the GFAA Facebook page for even more
information.
eXit- Parents and family members may eXit and
enter via the main school entry.
Your ideas and suggestions are welcome!
Zzzzzzz - Make sure that your child gets plenty of
rest.