Dear Parents,

Welcome to one of the most incredible years your child will have in his/her school career! First grade is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. This is a year of important transitions, as well as one in which acquisition of new skills is accelerated. You will be amazed at just how much your child will grow this year.

During first grade, your child will learn how to read, write stories, add, subtract, and so much more. I hope to make your child’s first grade year a fun and exciting one combined with academic rigor. I also hope to instill a love of learning that will last throughout your child’s years of schooling.

So much happens in first grade! Because of this, parents as well as children may have some apprehensions about what will happen. It is extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on small successes. Each child will progress at his/her own rate, acquiring and enhancing skills as he/she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child’s self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority in our first grade. Here are some ways you can help:

*Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small it may seem. This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!

*Look through your child’s Take-Home folder each day. There will be important notes, spelling lists, graded work and tests, and homework assignments.  The newsletter will go home on Mondays with the homework assignments for the week.  I will use the behavior sheet to communicate your child’s behavior daily.  You may use the behavior sheet to make comments or send notes to me in the folder.  Make sure the folder is returned daily.  Your child will put it in the “Folder Box” in numerical order.  

*Read to and with your child everyday. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom. 

*Please take some time to read and discuss this information with your child. When parents understand the expectations of the school and their child’s teacher they are able to support and encourage academic success in the education of their child.

This will be the fifth year of the Stone Super Star web site.   The address is stones.home.texas.net/firstgrade.  I will post the current newsletter at this site weekly.  I hope that this will be a valuable part of our classroom.  Remember that it is a work in progress.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at school. The telephone number is 841-1471. You may also e-mail me at stonep@texas.net .