Welcome to

1. Welcome to KME First Grade 2012-2013

2. Communication • Weekly Emails with Newsletter • B.E.E. Binder • Class and Grade-Level Website • Written notes, behavior calendar, phone calls • My email address is: pcampbell@forsyth.k12.ga.us • “Like” Kelly Mill on Facebook • Follow us on Twitter @KellyMillES

3. Website Please utilize our grade and class web pages as valuable resources. • Homework Helper Tips • Great Websites/Games • Pictures/Videos • Sight Word Practice • Quarterly Rubrics • Technology Links • Student Work

4. Home-School Binder • Check daily, remove “Keep at Home” papers • Sign the behavior log-no news is good news • Read the weekly newsletter for important announcements. • Send all $ in a labeled envelope or baggie and place in zipper pouch!! • School excuse notes need to have Teacher’s Name-1st written on them • Transportation changes must be in writing/email-include date, child’s name, the change needed, • and Teacher’s Name-1st on each note.

5. Homework Notebook • Weekly Newsletter has a suggested timeline for completion. • Q1 Homework Activity Page-in binder • Suggested Reading- 15 minutes each night • All homework is due on Friday in notebook. • will be interactive with the student, parent, and teacher

6. The Daily 5 Reading The Daily Five is an independent, engaging, and meaningful program that fosters a love for reading and writing. • Read to Self • Work on Writing • Read to Someone • Listen to Reading • Word Work

7. Reading Levels • What is a Lexile level? • “The Lexile Framework provides a common developmental scale for matching reader ability and text difficulty.” • How do I attain my students Lexile level? • The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment program estimates a student’s Lexile reading range as part of the analysis of the student’s assessment. • We will also be using Reading A-Z. Students should be on a level E at the end of quarter 1.

8. Reading • How do I find books on my child’s Lexile level? @ Barnes and Noble@ Lexile • What is my child’s Lexile Level? Reading Level Conversion Chart • Remember this is a range! It is more important to spend quality time reading with your child as you help them develop life-long habits. 15

9. Rubrics/Grading • Please refer to the Quarter 1 Parent Rubrics. • Rubrics are available on our first grade webpage. • 4 – Complete Standard Mastery • 3 - Consistent Achievement toward Standard Mastery • 2 - Moderate Achievement toward Standard Mastery • 1 – Limited Achievement toward Standard Mastery. • X- Not assessed at this time.

10. Students can bring their portable electronic hand-held equipment from home. • We will use apps and the internet to enhance student learning through technology. • B.Y.O.T. days will be communicated through the weekly newsletter. • Want to learn more about BYOT? Visit BYOT @ Forsyth County Schools

11. Edmodo • Edmodo is a social learning network for teachers and students. • Edmodo provides an easy way for your child to digitally connect and collaborate with their classmates at school and at home. • Edmodo is 100% safe

12. The 5 W’s (and H) of Common Core • What is Common Core? Common Core (CC) is a state-led initiative coordinated by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSD). In Georgia, Common Core did not completely replace the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS), but rather merged with those standards to form the new CCGPS.

13. The 5 W’s (and H) of Common Core The revised Common Core standards: • Are aligned with college and work expectations • Are clear, understandable, and consistent • Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through higher-order skills • Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards • Are informed by other top performing countries so that all students are prepared to succeed in a global economy and society • Are evidence-based

14. The 5 W’s (and H) of Common Core • Who is participating in Common Core? All of Forsyth County in all grades K – 12. • Why is Forsyth County Participating in Common Core? These standards provide a consistent framework to prepare students for success in college and career upon graduation from almost any high school in the United States.

15. The 5 W’s (and H) of Common Core • Where is Common Core being implemented? Not only in Forsyth County and all of Georgia but also 47 other states in the United States have adopted the new Common Core standards into their curriculum. • When is Common Core being implemented? Right now! It is an exciting time to be a student and an educator in the Forsyth County School System! • How can I find out more? The standards can be viewed on the Common Core State Standards website www.corestandards.org or on the Georgia Department of Education websitewww.georgiastandards.org.

16. Student Expectations • Students are expected to behave in a way that fosters learning and respect for others. • Behavior Bank System • Rewards/Sticker Chart/Praise • Areas of improvement needed are communicated on the binder calendar

17. Daily Schedule 7:10-7:40 Unpack/Eat Breakfast/Morning Warm-Ups 7:40-7:45 Colts Coverage (Announcements) 7:45-8:00 Calendar Math 8:00-9:20 The Daily 5/Language Arts Block 9:20 – 9:40 Recess 9:45 – 10:00 Snack/BrainPop Jr. 10:00 – 10:50 Phonics/Writing 10:55 – 11:25 Lunch, Table 13 11:25 – 11:35 Bathroom Break 11:35 – 12:50 Math CC/Frameworks - Stations 12:55-1:35 Specials 1:35-2:10 Content-Science and Social Studies 2:10-2:20 Read Aloud/Pack Up/Dismissal

18. Lunch • We love visitors! Enjoy lunch at a round table with your child. • Ice cream is sold on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for $0.50. • Lunch is served at 10:55 – 11:25 a.m. • We sit at table 13

19. Snack and Birthdays • One small healthy item to eat and water only. • Please provide enough snacks for 19 students. • Monthly birthdays will be celebrated on the last Friday of each month. • All treats must be store-bought per school policy.

20. Parent Volunteers • Watch D.O.G.S. Dads-great way for dads to get involved! Don’t miss this experience! • Mystery Readers-come read to the class • Math Station Helpers-most days • Our Room Mom(s) will be in touch soon with more information on volunteering.

21. Transportation • Please send in a written note if afternoon transportation changes for any reason. • If email is used, copy the front office staff in the email so it is not missed. • Please remember the Forsyth County Schools Policy about bus transportation. Students may not ride a bus other than their usual bus and after school guests are not allowed to ride the bus home with a friend.

22. A few things to work on at home… • Handwriting: Please reinforce using correct case and forming the letters from top to bottom. • Shoe Tying: This can be a disruption in our day. Please work with your child on how to tie his/her shoes. • Read EVERY day!! Every day!!

23. Contact Mrs. Campbell 678-965-4953, Ext. 440250 pcampbell@forsyth.k12.ga.us I check emails and take calls in the morning, during my planning time (12:55 – 1:35), and afterschool. I will make every effort to get in touch with you by the end of the day. Please call the front office if there is an emergency, and I cannot be reached. Thank you!