As parents of a first grader, you can help your child feel comfortable and successful this year in the following ways.

1.      Read the Parent Handbook and keep it for reference throughout the year.  You will find information in it about the lunch program and school policies.

2.      Read the Link (weekly note from the school).

3.      Help your child with the weekly homework listed on the "Homework Letter" which comes home at the end of each week.  Homework consists of Memory verses, Reading words, Reading the weekly story and other books, Spelling words, Spelling dictation sentences (second semester), and Math facts.  Since most of this work is memorization, you can help your child the most if you allow 10-20 minutes each night to help your child accomplish the tasks.

4.      Offer to help at or send something for one of the parties this year. (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines' Day, Easter)

5.      Check your child's book bag every evening for important notes, graded papers, and unfinished work to be done and returned the next day.  One goal of mine is to teach your child organizational skills needed for the rest of his/her school years.  You can help your child with these skills by making sure that he/she always has his/her “mailbox folder”, book bag, schoolbooks, etc. every day.

6.      Pray for your child, his/her classmates, and me throughout the year.  Always look to God's word for answers. 

7.      Call me with any concern that you have.

Subjects taught: Reading and Math are very significant parts of the first grade curriculum. Religion, Language, Spelling, Writing, Science and Social Studies are also part of the first grade curriculum and are taught and assessed with the same degree of importance.  Physical Education, Music and Art are taught and graded based on effort.

Discipline: See the school policy in the Handbook.  I teach the rules at the beginning of the year.  By the first full week of school I begin implementing the consequences for inappropriate behavior.  Loss of recess time is the standard punishment.  Your child earns praise and privileges for listening attentively and following the rules. You will notice in the School Handbook that the consequence for 3 checks (one warning and 3 offenses) is a detention.  We will work up to this in first grade.  For the first semester, 3 checks will mean a loss of all recess time, the child’s desk will most likely be moved away from others, and the child will possibly miss out on any special events planned for the day.  By second semester, a detention will be given as well as the loss of all recess time, relocation in the room, and missing special events. A child may earn a detention at any time during the year by intentionally physically hurting another person. 

Inappropriate behavior includes purposely distracting others from listening to the speaker or doing their assigned task, using unacceptable language or speaking about socially unacceptable things, arguing with the teacher, or refusing to obey the teacher.

Birthday treats are welcome.  For the safety of all children, please send store bought items.  It works best if you bring the treat at the beginning of the day.  Your child and I will pass out the treat before our morning recess.

Morning snacks are optional.  You may send a snack for your child only, to keep in his/her book bag until morning recess time.  Please make it a small, healthy snack that doesn't require a utensil since we take the snacks outside to eat.

Worship services at Our Savior: 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, 8:00 and 10:30 on Sunday mornings and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings..  Sunday School and Adult Bible Classes are at 9:15 Sunday mornings.  You are always welcome to attend the school's chapels usually held on Wednesday mornings from 8:30-9:00.

Communication:  You can get a message or concern to me in the following ways:

    1. Send a note to me through your child in the morning.

    2. Leave a message on my home answering machine.

    3. Email me.

I will reply as soon as possible.

If you have transportation changes or medical concerns I will need a written note sent by your child in the morning.

Aside from teaching your child everything he/she needs to know academically this year, I will teach your child about God's love for him/her.  I pray that your child will grow in his/her faith in God's love, power, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Savior.

I look forward to a good year with your child!

Mrs. Karen Stock